A dramatic vehicle fire erupted Tuesday evening in Lower Manhattan after a car suddenly caught fire and exploded near the iconic Charging Bull tourist attraction.
The incident happened near Broadway and Stone Street at around 5:42 p.m., according to the FDNY. Thick black smoke quickly filled the air as crowds gathered nearby and videos from the scene spread rapidly online.
🎥WATCH | Vehicle catches fire and then explodes near the famous Charging Bull statue in New York City pic.twitter.com/XVrDwAAjo6
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The burning vehicle appeared to be affiliated with the MTA and was parked on the side of the road before flames rapidly engulfed it.
Car explosion near Charging Bull sparks panic in Lower Manhattan
Witnesses at the scene described moments of panic as smoke billowed through the busy Financial District area packed with office workers and tourists.
Videos showed flames intensifying within minutes before the vehicle exploded, creating a massive smoke cloud visible across nearby streets.
The Charging Bull area is one of the busiest tourist spots in New York City, making the fire especially alarming for people nearby during evening hours.
Police quickly closed parts of the surrounding roads while firefighters rushed to control the blaze.
FDNY extinguishes flames after nearly one hour
Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire shortly before 7 p.m. after battling the flames for more than an hour.
Emergency crews remained at the scene afterward to secure the area and investigate the cause of the explosion.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported despite the intensity of the fire and the crowded location.
Cause of Manhattan vehicle fire under investigation
Officials have not yet confirmed what caused the vehicle to catch fire.
Investigators are now examining whether the blaze may have started due to a mechanical issue, electrical malfunction, or another possible factor.
The incident caused heavy attention online as videos showing the burning vehicle near the famous Wall Street landmark quickly circulated across social media.
For now, authorities say the investigation into the Lower Manhattan car explosion remains ongoing.