A suspected gas explosion caused a two-story house in Syracuse to collapse Tuesday afternoon, sending eleven people, including children, to the hospital and prompting a large-scale emergency response.

The incident, which left two victims in very serious condition, occurred around 4 p.m. and drew more than 50 firefighters to the scene. A strong odor of gas was detected, and emergency crews spent hours ensuring no one was trapped under the rubble. Among the casualties were three children in critically stable condition. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has offered state assistance, while local officials, including Mayor Ben Walsh, have been addressing the tragic situation and investigating the cause of the collapse.

The two-story house, located in a residential neighborhood of Syracuse, collapsed around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Emergency responders were alerted immediately, and the strong odor of gas at the scene has led to suspicions of a gas explosion as the possible cause. This theory is currently under investigation by local authorities and safety inspectors.

More than 50 firefighters from the Syracuse Fire Department responded promptly to the scene, working tirelessly to search through the debris for survivors. A car was also discovered buried under the rubble, highlighting the extent of the destruction caused by the collapse.

Initial reports suggested that between 17-20 people lived in the house, but officials have since confirmed that there were 13 residents. The victims included a mix of adults and children, ranging in age from eight months to 42 years old. Eleven individuals were sent to Upstate University Hospital for treatment, with two reported to be in very serious condition.

Among the injured, three children were noted to be in critically stable condition. The victims identified by the fire department included two fathers, two mothers, and nine children. The collapse has had a wide-reaching impact on the local community, prompting efforts from various emergency services and government officials.

Mayor Ben Walsh addressed the media during a press briefing, providing updates about the incident and expressing his condolences to the affected families. He emphasized the city's commitment to investigating the cause of the collapse and ensuring that the victims receive the necessary support.

Governor Kathy Hochul has also expressed her condolences to the families and has offered state assistance to aid in the emergency response and subsequent recovery efforts. She assured the residents of Syracuse that the state would be providing necessary support to both the victims and the local authorities handling the investigation.

Emergency crews worked for hours to clear the rubble and ensure that no one was left trapped beneath the collapsed structure. The swift response and coordinated efforts of the firefighters and other emergency personnel were crucial in managing the chaotic aftermath of the collapse and providing immediate aid to those injured.

In the immediate vicinity, two neighbors reported that their homes shook from the explosion, reflecting the force of the suspected gas explosion. These testimonies are being considered as part of the ongoing investigation into the exact cause of the collapse.

The house, which had no open code violations at the time of the incident, will be demolished after the investigation concludes. This step is being taken to prevent any further danger and to allow a thorough examination of the collapse site. The landlord of the property is currently being interviewed by investigators to gather more details about the house and its residents.

The tragic incident has left a significant mark on the Syracuse community, highlighting the importance of safety measures and prompt emergency response. As investigations continue, local and state officials are focused on supporting the victims and addressing any potential hazards to prevent future occurrences.