Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video: Watch A Crazy Car Explosion In Midtown!
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jul 7, 2012
Modified Jul 7, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jul 7, 2012
Modified Jul 7, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Lexington Avenue has been closed at East 57th Street in midtown Manhattan after a car explosion due to a fire. The fire broke out around 12:20 p.m. today; FDNY says it was caused by a transformer fire that spread to a 15-story high rise, as well as the car parked on Lexington. As one person watching the incident unfold tweeted: "Just a two block electrical fire on Lexington, no biggie. Only one car launched away. Just a Saturday in NYC." Watch video of the car on fire below (taken by Nikhil Abraham), including the explosion as firetrucks arrived.
Update: It took about 80 firefighters to get the fire, which was sparked by a below-ground transformer, under control. The fire moved from the car to the building at 140 East 56th Street. Two people were rescued from the building, but there were no injuries. “I exited the lobby, turned the corner and heard a huge boom,” witness Jody Revenson, who lives inside the building, told the News. “I looked over and saw a van engulfed in flames.”
Tagged
car
explosion
manhattan
midtown
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
MTA should eliminate some jobs to prepare for budget woes, watchdog writes
The Citizens Budget Commission suggested eliminating one crew member from trains that are fully automated.
By
Stephen Nessen
Published Nov 2, 2026 at 12:05 a.m. ET
NYC Council to scrutinize snow removal plans as winter approaches
Lawmakers will review the city's preparations and consider a bill requiring the city to publish historical snowplowing records.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
NYC Council to scrutinize snow removal plans as winter approaches
Lawmakers will review the city's preparations and consider a bill requiring the city to publish historical snowplowing records.
By
Catalina Gonella
'The best day of the year': Inside Clinton Hill's 'mile nine' NYC marathon party
By
Stephanie Keith
November has 3 meteor showers and the best chance to see Uranus
By
Rosemary Misdary
A 'beautiful' day for a marathon, as runners, spectators pack NYC streets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .