NEW YORK — Seven firefighters were injured, including some with serious burns, after a trash fire spread to several cars, leading to a massive explosion in the Bronx on Wednesday, according to officials.
The FDNY says firefighters responded to a call of a reported car explosion around 7 p.m.
Officials say garbage and debris were on fire on the sidewalk. The flames spread to a couple of cars before the large explosion occurred.
People watched from their windows as the fire burned on the street below. Suddenly, a ball of fire was right outside their window.
"I'm like, how am I going to get out? That's what I thought," said eyewitness Liza Almonte. "Like what now?"
Almonte works with children who have autism inside a nearby building when she saw garbage, debris and cars on fire, as firefighters rushed to put it out.
Their job took a dangerous turn as an explosion rocked the neighborhood.
"It's very worrying because at the time of the big explosion they – I don't know how close one of them was because the fire truck was already here when the big explosion happened," Almonte said.
They were close enough as flames funneled into the night sky.
Seven firefighters were injured, including five who suffered serious burns to the hands and face.
Three were admitted to a local hospital. Officials say the burns are considered serious, but not life-threatening.
"Our firefighters are awake, alert and speaking, but they have some serious burns and we'll be obviously praying for them," said FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito.
All the firefighters are expected to make a full recovery.
Meanwhile, piles of garbage littered the street next to a vehicle that had been incinerated.
One of the responding engines also endured some damage.
Officials are now investigating the cause of the fire.

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