Video still from of the incident via Sloatsburg business CCI Integrators, Inc.

A Metra crew was working along Route 17 Monday afternoon when a worksite explosion suddenly sent dirt and debris into the air. A local Sloatsburg business surveillance video captured the incident, which was purportedly caused by a piece unexploded dynamite (or explosive) used for blasting on site.

The Sloatsburg Fire Department, Sloatsburg Volunteer Ambulance Corps. and Rockland Paramedics responded to the incident. Metra has been working on a particularly difficult, final stretch of the Western Ramapo Sewer District Project for the Rockland County Sewer District 1, one that has involved granite ledge rock and the use of many minor explosions along Route 17 at Dater Crossing.

The Ramapo Police Department reported that two Metra workers were treated at the scene and that the incident remains under investigation. Local Sloatsburg business CCI, Integrators, Inc. provided Ramapo Police with surviellance video of the area which caught the explosion.

Currently Metra is negotiating with Rockland utility companies on how to finish the stretch of Route 17. Metra has used minor controlled blasts along the route to dig up roadway which will extend the amount of time it takes to complete the project. The utility companies have blocked requests from Metra to use more intensive blasting due to concerns about utility infrastructure damage.

The sewer project extension has also set back the date for the New York State Department of Transportation to begin its Complete Street Project through the Village of Sloatsburg which will include the paving of Route 17 through the village. Current projections for the Complete Streets project to commence in 2020.