Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

A man killed in a house explosion in South River Thursday evening was identified as a retired Newark police officer.

Police say 62-year-old Kevin Gilbert died in the explosion. Another man is in critical condition following the incident on Continental Court.

“It was devastating. It was like a big bomb. We didn’t know what it was. It was so loud,” says neighbor Milton Martin.

The Martin family lives behind the home that exploded. They say the explosion shook their home.

“It was as if we had another earthquake because we had to put pictures back on the wall again,” says Shortese Martin. “Stuff fell off the walls and off shelves.”

Officials say Gilbert served on the Newark police force from 1990 until 2016.

“I had the opportunity to speak to a few Newark officers. He’s going to be sorely missed,” says South River Mayor Peter Guindi. “He was a very well-decorated individual. For a resident to pass in this town is a big deal.”

The mayor says five families were evacuated after the explosion. Gas and electric services were turned off during the investigation.

The explosion leveled the home and sent debris flying.

"It looked like a warzone. It wasn't a pleasant sight. The good thing about it is that all the neighbors were evacuated as soon as possible,” Guindi says.

Neighboring homes were damaged in the blast. The mayor says that the neighbors who were displaced are staying with relatives.