7 New York City firefighters hurt after explosion during car fire in the Bronx

Seven New York City firefighters were hurt during an explosion as they responded to a fire involving trash and a car in the Bronx, officials said.

Five of the injured firefighters suffered burns to the hands and face, and three were admitted to a hospital, New York City Fire Chief John Esposito said. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

All the firefighters were awake and alert, Esposito said.

“But they have some serious burns, and we’ll be obviously praying for them,” he said.

The explosion occurred after firefighters responded to a report of a blaze shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday and found burning trash and vehicles on fire on Westchester Avenue, Esposito said.

"There was a lot of garbage and debris on the sidewalk that was on fire. There were a couple of cars that were on fi