A devastating house collapse in Syracuse has left 10 people hospitalized in critical condition, with fears that two others are still trapped in the rubble. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has prompted a mass casualty response as emergency crews continue their search and rescue efforts.

News Conference Details

Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds held a news conference at the scene, providing crucial updates as more than 50 firefighters worked tirelessly to secure the home and rescue any remaining occupants. Chief Monds highlighted the following key points:

• Rescue Efforts: Two people may still be trapped inside the collapsed home. Rescue operations are expected to be prolonged as crews need to shore up the unstable structure to ensure safe access.
• Hospitalized Victims: Ten people, including both adults and children, have been taken to area hospitals. Eight of the victims are on advanced life support, while two are on basic life support.
• Number of Occupants: It is believed that as many as 17-20 people may have been living in the single-family home at the time of the collapse.
• Initial Scene: Multiple victims were found outside the home when firefighters first arrived. An injured young boy was seen being treated on a stretcher before being transported to an ambulance.
• Possible Causes: There was a strong smell of natural gas reported at the scene, but the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation. Initial dispatch reports suggested an explosion, and there were speculations that a car might have crashed into the home.
• Additional Details: A car was found trapped under the house, although it remains unclear how it got there. Firefighters also encountered a small fire at the back of the house upon arrival.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures

National Grid and firefighters are currently checking houses along the street for any additional safety concerns or potential gas leaks. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the sequence of events that led to this tragic incident.

Community Response

The local community is in shock as they await further updates on the condition of the victims and the progress of the rescue efforts. Emergency responders are urging residents to stay clear of the area to allow for unhindered access by rescue teams.

The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. For those affected by the incident, emergency hotlines are being set up to provide support and information.

Conclusion

As Syracuse grapples with this tragic event, the focus remains on the rescue efforts and ensuring the safety and recovery of all those involved. The authorities are committed to a thorough investigation to understand the cause of the collapse and prevent future occurrences.