A dramatic car explosion in the Bronx, ignited by a carelessly discarded cigarette, left seven firefighters injured and multiple vehicles in ruins. The FDNY released gripping surveillance footage on Friday night to highlight the dangers of improper cigarette disposal.
“The careless disposal of this cigarette led to a major explosion, injuring seven firefighters. Five of them sustained serious burns to their arms and faces,” the FDNY stated on X. “Never flick your cigarette butts! Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposal.”
The explosion occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the intersection of Westchester Avenue and Fox Street in Longwood, causing significant damage to three vehicles, including a firetruck.
“That’s my work van right there. It blew up like something from a mafia movie,” said a roofer whose white Ford van was destroyed in the explosion. “The fire spread as if gasoline had been poured everywhere.”
A blue Toyota Camry also fell victim to the blaze.
“I received a call saying my car was on fire,” recounted the owner of the vehicle, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“It started in the trash and spread. I heard some firefighters were injured” she said. ”I’m distraught.”
The inferno was under control around 8:19 p.m., officials said.
The injured firefighters were rushed to Jacobi Hospital by EMS, the FDNY said.
“The burns are considered serious, but not life threatening,” FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito said at a Thursday night press conference. “The members, our firefighters, are awake, alert and speaking, but they they have some serious burns. We’ll be obviously praying for them.”
