Police in upstate New York are releasing more information about the fatal home explosion that killed one person and displaced more than 60 neighbors.

The explosion that rocked Oneonta, NY on December 9th left many residents clamoring for answers. While initially vague about the cause of the blast that decimated a home and sent debris flying into nearby yards, authorities are now sharing the chain of events that led to the disaster.

Police have released more details on the cause of the fatal home explosion in Oneonta, NY
Police have released more details on the cause of the fatal home explosion in Oneonta, NY (Otsego County Sheriff via Facebook)
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More Details Emerge After Home Explosion in Oneonta, NY

A state of emergency remains in effect as the American Red Cross assists families displaced from the incident that police originally described as "accidental as a result of human error". There is also currently a gift card drive for families affected. While the findings remain unchanged several days later, the Otsego County Sheriff's Office recently shared additional details.

An explosion in an Oneonta, NY home has claimed the life of one person and displaced more than 60 residents. There is currently a gift card drive underway to help those affected
An explosion in an Oneonta, NY home has claimed the life of one person and displaced more than 60 residents. There is currently a gift card drive underway to help those affected (Otsego County Sheriff via Facebook)
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Authorities: "Action by the Resident" Caused Home Explosion in Oneonta, NY

"Upon information gained from examination of the scene, interviews, and forensic examinations, our investigation concluded that an action by the resident, resulted in a non-intended natural gas leak", the Sheriff's Office shared on December 12th. "The escaping gas's contact with an ignition source resulted in the explosion."

New York State Senator Peter Oberacker visited the site of the home explosion in Oneonta, NY on Tuesday December 12th
New York State Senator Peter Oberacker visited the site of the home explosion in Oneonta, NY on Tuesday December 12th (Otsego County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
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New York State Senator Visits Oneonta, NY to Survey Damage After Home Explosion

New York State Senator Peter Oberacker surveyed the scene on Tuesday, December 12th. Photos (above) show houses with boarded up windows in the background, and authorities have pledged to "continue to protect the damaged homes and residents property until all areas are secured".

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The residential explosion was at least the third such incident in as many months in New York state, with the most recent incident happening in the Hudson Valley. In early November, a ruptured gas line was said to be the cause of a blast that injured first responders and residents in Wappingers Falls, NY. See more photos below.

Village of Wappingers Falls Home Explosion November 2, 2023

A loud explosion was followed by a structure completely engulfed in flames on Thursday around Noon.

Gallery Credit: Boris

Emotional Photos from WRRV's Shop with a Cop 2022

Gallery Credit: Chuck Merrihew

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