By Marlyn Montilla
Sep 23, 2024, 3:39 PM EDT
At least five people were injured in the Bronx on Sunday when a gas main exploded, leaving a huge smoking crater, noxious gases and churchgoers fleeing into the street for safety.
More than 100 emergency personnel responded to the scene near Bedford Park Boulevard and Decatur Avenue in Bedford Park, authorities said.
Pedestrians covered their noses and mouths as they fled the foul-smelling fumes, prompting hundreds of worshippers to flee the St Mary of India Orthodox Church, some leaving their shoes behind in a desperate race to escape the blast, witnesses said.
The New York Fire Department (FDNY) said there were five injured, all minors. Three people were taken to the hospital and two received treatment at the scene, the New York Post reported.
Fire officials said several people had been sickened by the gas fumes, which could be felt miles away.
A Con Edison representative also said the gas line break left 21 customers without gas service, but its workers were doing their best to get it flowing again by the end of Sunday.
The explosion was reported at 9:40 a.m., and authorities considered the situation “under control” around 1:00 p.m.
Nearby roads remained closed, gas lines were shut off and fumes were “dissipating,” the FDNY said.
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