I have also seen the results of 2 kitchen natural gas explosions. I haven’t seen pictures of this one in NJ but what you describe is off the charts from what I’ve seen. Thank you for bringing this to everyone’s attention.
Both events I’ve seen personally resulted in damaged kitchens, a fire but otherwise a structurally sound home. Much repair needed but primarily fire damage and remodeled kitchens.
Casper WY: Neighbor’s house (200 ft away) exploded after he left for deer camp. Water heater malf.
House was leveled and near-by homes suffered some damage from the percussion. No ancillary conflagrations. The affected home went outward, not upward.
Curious.