THIS is the terrifying moment cops were thrown from their feet by a huge explosion just as they were entering a home for a domestic call.
Shocking bodycam footage shows New York City Police officers knocking on the front door of the house when suddenly a huge blast erupts from inside.
Cops can be seen preparing to enter the home in bodycam footage Credit: NYPD
Suddenly a ferocious blast explodes from inside the property Credit: NYPD
The force of the explosion rips straight through the door, violently propelling cops backward.
NYPD officers had received a domestic disturbance call to the property in Queens, at 2.42am on Thursday morning.
The caller said a family member arrived at the home drunk and forced his way inside.
Security footage from the home shows the 50-year-old carrying a knife and two bags full of an unknown substance, cops said.
Firefighters tackle a huge blaze caused by the explosion Credit: New York City Fire Department
Nearby homes were evacuated as emergency crews worked at the scene Credit: New York City Fire Department
Once inside, he allegedly threatened family members.
The suspects daughter and two grandchildren managed to flee, but the remaining victim could not escape.
The house exploded 16 minutes after the initial call came in.
The NYPD said its officers got back on their feet and “ran into the burning home” to check for other residents still stuck inside.
Someone holds out a child to officers as they enter the house Credit: NYPD
Cops immediately got back to their feet before entering the property Credit: NYPD
Footage shows cops helping several people, including crying children, out from the obliterated building.
Seven NYPD officers and a sergeant were taken to hospitals with injuries including burns and a head laceration. They have since been released.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the officers actions as “heroic”.
She wrote on X: “They were hurt. They had just been thrown to the ground by an explosion.
“And in that moment, with no clear sense of what else they might be walking into, they made the decision to keep moving forward.”
Several civilians were also taken to hospital with minor injuries, officials told the outlet.
The victim trapped in the house managed to get out safely, cops said.
Almost 300 firefighters rushed to the scene and neighbouring buildings were evacuated.
Multiple agencies are assisting the investigation. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the cause of the explosion.
A body was found in the rubble hours after the blast. The 50-year-old man remains unaccounted for.
The body has not been identified.
NYPD officials said the suspect had three expired orders of protection filed against him by his own family.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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