Explosion and Injuries at Naval Weapons Station Earle

One person is hospitalized with serious injuries following an explosion inside a boat house at Naval Weapons Station Earle.

According to a press release from the NWS, the explosion occurred approximately 9 a.m. this morning while personnel were doing routine maintenance on a utility boat.

The damage from the explosion was contained within the boathouse area.

Ammunition and ordnance operations at the weapons station were not affected by the accident.

Seven workers sustained minor injuries, primarily smoke inhalation. The identities of the injured personnel are being withheld until family members have been notified.  All personnel were taken to area hospitals.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

The Naval station main side is located in Colts Neck, and the Waterfront is in the Leonardo section of Middletown. The two areas are connected by a private, federally-owned roadway.