by BRONX, NY – A fiery explosion in the Bronx sent a towering fireball into the night sky Wednesday evening, injuring seven New York City firefighters who were responding to a vehicle blaze that quickly turned catastrophic, authorities said.
Explosion Erupts as Firefighters Battle Bronx Blaze
The dramatic incident unfolded around 7:06 p.m. in front of a building between Intervale Avenue and Kelly Street in the Longwood section of the Bronx. Firefighters with the FDNY were already on the scene addressing a vehicle fire when the car suddenly exploded, sending flames and thick smoke billowing through the area.
Footage shared by bystanders captured the shocking moment when the vehicle erupted into a massive fireball, illuminating the night sky and shaking nearby buildings. Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic,” with debris flying through the air and firefighters rushing to take cover.
Multiple Firefight Recovery
At Jacobi Hospital, Dr. Sheldon Temperman, who treated several of the injured firefighters, expressed cautious optimism. “I’ll be worried until they’re all home, but we do expect that they will recover from their injuries,” he said.
Temperman described how the firefighters were engulfed by flames but remained calm and focused on helping one another. “What they were concerned about was their colleagues and their families,” he added. “There’s a reason they’re called New York’s greatest.”
Fire Under Control Within an Hour
Fire officials reported that the blaze was fully brought under control by 8:19 p.m., roughly an hour after the explosion. Crews remained at the scene well into the night, working to extinguish lingering hotspots and assess structural damage.
Photos from the aftermath show the charred remains of the vehicle, its frame completely melted and hollowed out by the blast. The surrounding sidewalk was strewn with burned debris, soot, and pieces of twisted metal.
Fortunately, the NYPD confirmed that no pedestrians or bystanders were injured in the explosion. Nearby residents were briefly evacuated as a precaution but were allowed to return to their homes once firefighters deemed the area safe.
Investigation Underway
Authorities said the Bureau of Fire Investigation, the Bureau of Fire Prevention, and a hazmat team are all investigating the cause of the explosion. Early reports suggest the fire may have originated from garbage and debris near the burning vehicle before the blast occurred.
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Investigators are examining whether any flammable materials, fuel leaks, or hazardous substances were present in or near the car at the time of the fire. Esposito emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that more details will be released once officials determine what triggered the explosion.
Community Reaction
Residents of the Longwood neighborhood were left shaken by the fiery blast.
“I thought it was an earthquake,” said one local, describing how the windows rattled when the explosion occurred. Another witness added, “The flames were huge — I’ve never seen anything like it.”
As the community processes the shocking incident, city officials are once again praising the bravery of the FDNY members who risk their lives daily. “They ran toward danger, not away from it,” one resident said. “We’re just grateful they’re alive.”
Ongoing Support for Injured Firefighters
The FDNY has confirmed that the injured firefighters are receiving full medical support and counseling as they recover. Department officials also praised their colleagues for acting quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, city leaders have vowed to ensure a thorough investigation and improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What do you think could have caused this Bronx explosion? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments at race-day-live.com.
