A lit cigarette reportedly sparked a massive explosion in the Bronx, sending a fireball into the night and hospitalizing seven firefighters. Surveillance footage from Wednesday evening appears to show someone discarding a cigarette on the sidewalk in the Longwood neighborhood.
Strong winds likely blew the cigarette into a garbage pile, igniting a fire that spread to several parked cars. Firefighters responded quickly, but while extinguishing the blaze on Fox Street near Westchester Avenue, a sudden explosion launched a fireball several stories high.
"It was my car that exploded," said a local woman. "I lost two strollers and expensive car seats, so now I need to find other transportation for my two toddlers."
Residents noted that trash collection was delayed due to Election Day, which caused garbage to remain on the streets longer than usual.
"The trash wasn’t supposed to be there at this time, but garbage pickup got pushed to Thursday," explained a local resident.
The incident highlights how small acts, combined with environmental factors like wind and delayed services, can lead to severe consequences impacting public safety and the community.