South River, New Jersey, home explosion kills retired member of Newark police force; another man injured [Video]

SOUTH RIVER, New Jersey (WABC) — A deadly explosion in South River leveled one home and damaged others nearby.

The blast happened just after 7 p.m. Thursday on Continental Court. The fire department arrived within minutes, and quickly doused the blaze.

Authorities found two men in the rubble of the home. One had fatal injuries and was pronounced dead.

He was identified Friday as 62-year-old Kevin Gilbert, who was a retired Newark police officer. He served on the force from 1990 to 2016.

The second man injured in the explosion remains in critical condition Friday at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center after suffering burns to 90% of his body.

The blast sent people running out of their homes.

“We’re trying to conclude that the houses are OK,” said South River Mayor Peter Guindi. “The ones to the right and left are not habitable.”

The roof of the home was blown off and landed on the ground almost intact. The walls were blown in all directions.

Every home on the cul-de-sac …