Explosion, house fire leaves Bayonne resident in critical condition

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A Bayonne resident is in critical condition following an explosion and house fire that erupted Monday. Bayonne Fire Deputy Chief Bill Bartos says firefighters were called to a two-family home on West Ninth Street at 5:24 p.m. following reports of an explosion and heavy smoke coming from the basement. When crews arrived at the house, they found a fire tearing through the basement of the 2 1/2 story residence. One victim was located outside of the house, with serious injuries. "Firefighters used one handline to extinguish the blaze, which was declared under control at 5:46pm," Bartos said in a release. "The victim, who is in critical condition, was transported by McCabe Ambulance to St. Barnabas Burn Center." The exact type of injuries the victim suffered has not been released. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Regional Arson Task Force is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. "