This May Have Sparked the Bronx Fire and Massive Explosion That Injured 7 Firefighters
A simple flick of a cigarette might have triggered a huge explosion in the Bronx, producing a fireball that lit up the night sky and sent several firefighters to the hospital.
Incident Details
Surveillance footage from Wednesday evening shows someone apparently tossing a lit cigarette onto the sidewalk in the Longwood neighborhood. Strong winds then seemed to carry the cigarette into a pile of garbage, setting it aflame. The fire spread quickly to multiple parked cars.
Explosion and Firefighter Injuries
Firefighters arrived promptly and were working to put out the flames when an explosion occurred on Fox Street near Westchester Avenue. A large fireball surged several stories high.
The blast injured seven firefighters, causing burns to their hands and faces. None of the injuries were life-threatening.
The firefighters were treated at Jacobi Hospital, with two still recovering the following evening.
Aftermath and Community Impact
The fire and explosion left the street covered in charred debris. At least one car was so badly damaged it was unrecognizable and had to be towed the next morning.
A local woman told NBC New York, "It was my car that exploded. I lost two strollers and expensive car seats, and now I need to figure out other transportation for my two toddlers."
Residents noted that the trash was not supposed to be there at that time, but due to Election Day, garbage collection was delayed until Thursday.
Summary: A cigarette thrown on the street likely ignited a trash fire that escalated into a massive explosion in the Bronx, injuring seven firefighters and severely damaging property.