THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — Fire investigators believe they have zeroed in on what caused a fire that led to an explosion in the Bronx on Wednesday night.
Investigators are no longer searching for an arson suspect as the FDNY initially believed, sources tell PIX11 News.
It is believed that the fire was caused by the careless disposal of smoking material that lit the garbage, which then spread to the vehicles next to the pile, according to sources. A van’s gas tank caused the explosion itself, sources said.
The explosion at 955 Westchester Ave. in Longwood resulted in five firefighters being taken to the hospital, including one who needed treatment for serious burns to the face, sources said.
No other injuries were reported at the scene, according to the FDNY
Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.
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