Rochester police continue investigation into Lake Avenue house explosion
By Gino Fanelli
April 15, 2026 at 11:58 AM EDT
An explosion that leveled a Lake Avenue house on Tuesday displaced five people, officials said — four who were living in a downstairs apartment, and one one who had to vacate a damaged house next door.
All are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
What caused the explosion has yet to be determined.
The Rochester Fire Department responded to the scene just past noon on Tuesday, finding only the ground floor standing, and neighboring houses damaged.
Rochester police said Wednesday that the upstairs apartment of the duplex residence was vacant.
No injuries were reported, and police said there's no information to indicate anyone was inside the home when the explosion occurred — though adding: "The structure is a total loss and there is a large amount of rubble on site that cannot yet be removed."
The investigation into the explosion is now being led by the Rochester Police Department's arson task force, a standard procedure. It has not yet been determined whether the explosion was accidental, criminal or the result of "reckless actions," police said.
Police are asking anyone with any information or video related to the explosion to call 911, the Major Crimes Section at (585)428-7157, Crime Stoppers at (585)423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.
All are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
What caused the explosion has yet to be determined.
The Rochester Fire Department responded to the scene just past noon on Tuesday, finding only the ground floor standing, and neighboring houses damaged.
Rochester police said Wednesday that the upstairs apartment of the duplex residence was vacant.
No injuries were reported, and police said there's no information to indicate anyone was inside the home when the explosion occurred — though adding: "The structure is a total loss and there is a large amount of rubble on site that cannot yet be removed."
The investigation into the explosion is now being led by the Rochester Police Department's arson task force, a standard procedure. It has not yet been determined whether the explosion was accidental, criminal or the result of "reckless actions," police said.
Police are asking anyone with any information or video related to the explosion to call 911, the Major Crimes Section at (585)428-7157, Crime Stoppers at (585)423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.