**Seven Firefighters Injured After Trash Fire Causes Massive Explosion in the Bronx**
NEW YORK — Seven firefighters were injured, including several with serious burns, after a trash fire spread to multiple cars, resulting in a massive explosion in the Bronx on Wednesday, officials reported.
The FDNY responded to a call about a reported car explosion around 7 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found garbage and debris burning on the sidewalk. The flames quickly spread to a couple of nearby cars before a large explosion occurred.
Residents watched anxiously from their windows as the fire blazed on the street below. Suddenly, a ball of fire erupted right outside their window.
“I’m like, how am I going to get out? That’s what I thought,” recalled eyewitness Liza Almonte. Almonte was working with children who have autism inside a nearby building when she noticed the garbage, debris, and cars on fire as firefighters rushed to control the blaze.
The situation escalated dangerously when the explosion rocked the neighborhood. “It’s very worrying because at the time of the big explosion, I don’t know how close one of them was since the fire truck was already here when the explosion happened,” Almonte said. The flames shot into the night sky, illuminating the area.
Seven firefighters sustained injuries, with five suffering serious burns primarily to their hands and faces. Three of them were admitted to a local hospital. Officials have confirmed that while the burns are serious, they are not life-threatening.
“Our firefighters are awake, alert, and speaking, but they have some serious burns and we’ll obviously be praying for them,” said FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito. All are expected to make a full recovery.
Meanwhile, piles of garbage still litter the street beside a vehicle that was completely incinerated. One of the fire engines that responded also sustained some damage during the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and explosion.
Stay tuned for updates.
https://6abc.com/post/bronx-car-explosion-7-firefighters-injured-nyc-fire-leads-massive-blast-fdny-officials-say/18120169/