House Explosion: Lake Ave.

Rochester, NY - On April 14, 2026 at about 12:30 PM the duplex residence at 1128 Lake Ave exploded. The upstairs apartment was vacant and the downstairs apartment was being lived in. After the initial response it was unclear whether or not any persons were inside of the residence at the time of the explosion. In an abundance of caution, State Police and State Fire K-9 units were utilized to verify there were no persons inside.

Investigators currently have no information leading them to believe any persons were inside the structure at the time of the explosion. With that being said, the structure is a total loss and there is a large amount of rubble on site that cannot yet be removed.

The cause of the explosion is still being investigated at this time. It is way too early to determine if the explosion was accidental, criminal or caused by reckless actions. As is the case with all fires / explosions in which the cause is not immediately known, investigators from the Arson Task Force are investigating.

For those unfamiliar, the Arson Task Force consists of Investigators from the Rochester Fire Department, Detectives from the Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, as well as Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Anyone with any information or video to call 911, the Major Crimes Section @ 585-428- 7157, Crime Stoppers @ 585-423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.