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2 Adults, 7 Children Hurt When Explosion Rocks Home In Woodbridge, New Jersey

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Nine people were hurt Saturday when an explosion rocked a home in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.

Police said they were called to 121 Vernon Way in Port Reading just before 10 a.m.

When they arrived, officers found a man and woman suffering from serious burns. One was airlifted to St. Peter's University Hospital, the other to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital.

Police said there were six adults and seven children, ages one to 17, inside the home at the time. The kids were all taken to a hospital to be treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation.

"Our prayers go out to the injured people. Hopefully, a speedy recovery," Fire Capt. Richard Fritzch said.

Neighbors rushed over as the victims ran from the burning home, some in their pajamas, CBS2's Dave Carlin reported.

"Just flames, it was just totally engulfed in a matter of seconds," resident Al Audinis said.

"I come running and I saw the flames. The house just went up quickly, it was unbelievable," said Dennis Martin.

"We saw black smoke just fill the whole air," Jessica Rizitis said. "Everybody was going like, oh my god, oh my god."

Some of the victims told neighbors there was a smell of gas before the blast.

"They said they had been smelling gas in their home. So I think it's important that if you can smell something, definitely say something. Otherwise something like this could happen," resident Jason Peake said.

"It could be any of your family, it could be any of your friends," said Rizitis. "Just hoping that their OK."

Elizabethtown Gas said it sent field service representatives to the scene to assist emergency response officials with their investigation.

"We have all utilities shut down. It's normal protocol for a structure," said Fritzch. "At this time, I cannot comment. It is being investigated at this time."

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