A plumber’s truck exploded on a quiet residential street in Queens Friday morning – damaging several homes and nearby cars, according to fire officials and sources.
Wild videos showed the unoccupied Infiniti QX56 exploding into bright orange flames while parked on 133 Street in South Ozone Park around 6:45 a.m..
There were several lithium batteries inside the truck. Obtained by NY Post
The Infiniti car, left, is seen moments before the vehicle exploded. Obtained by NY PostShocked residents were seen gawking at the burning vehicle — with many assuming the constant popping of mini explosions was from fireworks kept in the vehicle.
However, the explosion appears to have actually been caused by pressurized gas cylinders that were kept in the work truck, according to FDNY Deputy Chief George Healy.
The explosion damaged neighboring homes. Brigitte Stelzer
The vehicle contained pressurized gas cylinders. Brigitte Stelzer
Several homes sustained damage after the vehicle exploded. Brigitte StelzerThere were also several lithium ion batteries inside the truck, which were safely dealt with by the hazmat unit at the scene, Healy said.
Photos showed the vehicle completely burned out in the street. At least six homes were left with broken windows, and five vehicles parked near the flaming car were also damaged.
The truck burst into flames around 6:45 a.m. Friday. Brigitte StelzerThere were no reported injuries.
The truck’s owner, Dinell Harricharan, was at his home on Long Island when the explosion occurred, he told The Post.
He had parked the truck – which he used for his plumbing business – overnight at his younger brother’s house, he explained.
“The car’s our lifeline,” he said of the destroyed vehicle.
“We have to start over, try to finance and get everything back together.”
Harricharan said he had already reached out to his insurance, and was told they would not be covering any of the damage.
The incident is under investigation by the FDNY Fire Marshals, along with the NYPD.
A car and home across the street were struck by debris from the blast. Brigitte Stelzer





