Overview
- Firefighters responded around 7 p.m. to reports of rubbish and vehicle fires near 955 Westchester Avenue when an explosion created a large fireball.
- FDNY said the blaze was brought under control at about 8:19 p.m. after a concentrated response in the Longwood section of the Bronx.
- All injured responders were taken to Jacobi Hospital, where officials said five suffered burns to their hands and faces and all were awake, alert and speaking.
- The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and officials warned of road closures and a heavy emergency presence around Fox Street and Westchester Avenue.
- Videos posted to social media showed towering flames and thick smoke, and damage to nearby buildings and vehicles was reported.