OFFICER:
00:00:51
The guy just lit the house on fire.
MAN:
00:00:53
[INAUDIBLE]
OFFICER:
00:00:54
We got an explosion. [CHILD CRYING]
TOM HANSON:
00:00:57
Seconds later, those same NYPD officers, some of whom were injured in the blast, rushed in and brought those residents, including several children, to safety.
OFFICER:
00:01:05
Keep thinking the kids.
TOM HANSON:
00:01:06
Police say just before 3:00 AM, officers received a call from a family member of the man suspected of starting the fire. The caller reported that the suspect was intoxicated and carrying a knife. He forced his way into the basement apartment by pushing in an air conditioning unit. The suspect had three expired orders of protection against him. It's scary. It's frightening. It's sad. A lot of people were affected by his behavior.
TOM HANSON:
00:01:30
More than 80 fire and EMS units were on the scene, working to get the fire under control. Those injured NYPD officers are recovering tonight. CBS Newsobtained a neighbor's security video, which appears to show what NYPD has described as two garbage bags filled with canisters of an unknown substance. The explosion happened 15 minutes after the initial 911 call. Cops confront these situation every day, not knowing if luck will be on their side. Thankfully, today, luck was on their side.
TOM HANSON:
00:02:01
Debris removal efforts are still underway while more than a dozen residents were displaced. You just got to enjoy your life because you don't know what's going to happen, and tomorrow is not promised. And some of the residents were taken to area hospitals. Their injuries appear to be minor. CBS Newshas also learned that a body was found inside the home. NYPD is still working to identify the remains, Tony.
TONY DOKOUPIL:
00:02:25
All right, Tom. Thank you very much.
