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Gas Explosion Leaves 8 Pennsauken Firefighters Injured

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Eight firefighters were injured while battling a blaze in Camden County, New Jersey Monday morning.

Authorities say the firefighters suffered non-life threatening injuries during a gas explosion in the basement of the home in the 2500 block of 42nd Street in Pennsauken. The explosion happened while firefighters were battling the fire.

"They (firefighters) had accessed the basement and the gas explosion occurred," said Pennsauken Fire Chief Joe Palumbo. "Enough of the gas had accumulated until it found an ignition source and the explosion occurred."

The fire was reported at about 4:43 a.m. by the homeowners who were able to escape without injury.

The eight firefighters were taken to Copper University Hospital for treatment. Five were treated and released and three were being held for evaluation.

No other injuries were reported.

Reported by Nicole Brewer, CBS 3; Al Novack, KYW Newsradio

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