Seven firefighters injured in US car explosion PHOTO/VIDEO

Seven firefighters were injured in a powerful car explosion in the Bronx on the evening of November 5, sending a massive fireball into the sky.

The explosion occurred at approximately 7:06 p.m. local time while the firefighters were responding to a blaze in front of a building on Intervale Avenue, near Kelly Street, in the Longwood neighborhood, Caliber.Az reports per New York Post. 

The dramatic explosion was captured in footage showing towering flames and thick smoke engulfing the area. According to the FDNY, the firefighters were responding to a fire involving several cars and a large amount of debris on the sidewalk when the blast occurred.

“There was a lot of garbage and debris on the sidewalk that was on fire. There were a couple of cars on fire. And shortly after we arrived on the scene, there was some sort of explosion, a large fireball,” said Chief of Department John Esposito at a press conference.

Of the seven injured firefighters, three were hospitalised with severe burns, while the other four sustained minor injuries. Five of the firefighters suffered burns to their hands and faces.

Esposito confirmed that although the burns are serious, none of the injuries are considered life-threatening. 

"The burns are considered serious, but not life-threatening," he said, adding that the firefighters were "awake, alert and speaking."

Dr. Sheldon Temperman, a physician at Jacobi Hospital, expressed optimism for the injured personnel, despite his concern. 

"I’ll be worried until they’re all home, but we do expect that they will recover from their injuries,” he said.

Temperman also praised the bravery of the firefighters, recalling the harrowing moment of the explosion.

“A wall of fire came on them and surrounded them. What they were concerned about was their colleagues and their families. And there is a reason why I refer to you, folks, as New York’s greatest,” he said.

By 8:19 p.m., the fire was brought under control, but images of the aftermath showed a charred vehicle and debris scattered along the sidewalk. No civilian injuries have been reported, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD), though the full extent of the firefighters' injuries is still being assessed.

The FDNY has deployed a hazmat company, as well as the Bureau of Fire Investigation and the Bureau of Fire Prevention, to determine the cause of the explosion. An investigation is currently ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli