Josh Einiger has the latest from the scene of the gas explosion at JFK High School in the Bronx.
Jennifer Matarese
Thursday, August 20, 2015 11:31PM
MARBLE HILL (WABC) -- Three construction workers were injured, one critically, in a gas explosion Thursday night at JFK High School in the Bronx.
The injured were taken to Jacobi Medical Center, one in critical condition, the other two in serious but stable condition. Mayor Bill de Blasio said the workers all suffered serious burns.
It happened at 8:09 p.m. at 99 Terrace View Avenue in the Marble Hill Section. "A very troubling evening for residents in Marble Hill, they felt a blast, they felt the building shake, and what we see here at JFK High is a shocking scene," said the mayor.
Hundreds of firefighters and emergency crews responded to the scene. Con Ed confirms it was a gas explosion. The mayor said the Department of Buildings is evaluating the structural integrity of the building.
He added that there will be a full investigation into the cause of the blast. Typically the leading cause of the explosion is the construction crew hitting a gas line that is not marked (or through negligence) that then leaks gas that explodes upon a sparking event.
There was a large gas explosion during a construction project at JFK High School in the Marble Hill section of the Bronx. WABC Photo/ WABC
According to people in the area, the explosion could be heard throughout the neighborhood, rocking windows and setting off car alarms.
Custodial workers in the building described the explosion. "A loud thunderous bomb, that's what it really sounded like, this really big huge thunder went off right in front of you," said Jason Osorio.
Con Ed crews headed to the school to investigate. A police spokesman said crews were working on a gas line when the explosion occurred. Fire officials say gas to the building has been shut off.
There is structural damage to floors 4,5 and 6 of the school. The explosion happened on the 6th floor.
Photo courtesy NYC Fire Wire
Improvements were being done to the science lab, according to the School Construction Authority.
The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades 9-12. The first day of school is Sept. 9.
(Some information from the Associated Press)