Local News
Vehicle explodes in The Bronx injuring multiple firefighters
THE BRONX, NEW YORK — Authorities are investigating a vehicle explosion that left at least five firefighters injured in the Bronx on Wednesday evening, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 p.m. near 955 Westchester Avenue, in the vicinity of Intervale Avenue and Kelly Street. Firefighters were dispatched following multiple reports of a car explosion and heavy smoke in the area.
Upon arrival, FDNY crews encountered a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. During suppression efforts, an explosive event occurred, injuring five responding firefighters.
All five were transported to Jacobi Medical Center for medical evaluation and treatment.
Their conditions have not yet been disclosed, and officials say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Emergency crews quickly secured the area, and an FDNY fire marshal is now leading the investigation into the cause of the explosion.
The New York Police Department’s Bomb Squad was also notified as a precaution, though officials have not yet confirmed whether the explosion is believed to be accidental or suspicious in nature.
Residents reported hearing a loud blast that shook nearby buildings, followed by thick smoke billowing into the street.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.