Explosion Rips Through Apartment Complex, Suspect Detained, At Least 1 Taken to Hospital

Albuquerque –

At approximately 1:00 PM, an explosion was reported at an apartment complex at 12899 Central Ave NE. The situation remains active and continues to develop as police evacuate residents from the complex.

Preliminary reports suggest that a potentially armed individual was present at the complex following the explosion. Albuquerque Fire Rescue radio traffic indicated that responding firefighters retreated until Albuquerque Police Department officers arrived.

A person was taken into custody over the incident and a victim was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the explosion. The extent of any other injuries remains unknown.

The APD’s Bomb Squad was called to the complex. Officers are currently evacuating the remaining apartment units and keeping bystanders a safe distance away from the explosion. AFR’s Arson Unit is also staged at the listed location.

There are no apparent signs of an active fire at this time. However, photos sent by witnesses show significant damage to units on an upper level.

The utility companies have been requested to shut off electricity, gas, and water to the apartment. Many residents are going to be displaced due to this event.

If we learn more information about this incident from AFR or APD, we will update you.

UPDATE:

Around 4:24 PM Albuquerque Fire issued an update which advised:

“At approximately 1:00p.m., Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) Units responded to 12899 Central Avenue Northeast for reports of an explosion. Rescue 12 arrived at the scene and reported that several apartments were affected by the explosion. Rescue 12 and other AFR units promptly conducted a hazard assessment and triage report. Two individuals sustained injuries as a result of the explosion. The apartment building was evacuated. One individual was transported to a local hospital, while the other was evaluated on-scene and released. AFR Heavy Technical Rescue Squad 2 assessed the structural integrity of the building.

New Mexico Gas Company secured the gas to the entire building. Albuquerque Police Department Bomb Squad arrived at the scene and coordinated their investigation with AFR Fire Investigators.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion. No further information is available at this time.”