NEW YORK, July 4, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Police stand guard at Central Park in New York, the United States, on July 3, 2016. An explosion happened early on Sunday at New York's Central Park, leaving one man seriously injured. (Xinhua/Li Changxiang)
NEW YORK, July 3 (Xinhua) -- A young man was seriously injured after he was hit by an explosion in New York's Central Park on Sunday, authorities said.
The Central Park was partially closed for police investigation after the explosion rocked the southeastern part of the park, near the corner of 5th Avenue and 62th Street.
The part of the renowned park remained closed throughout the afternoon, with heavy presence of law enforcement standing guard and evacuating tourists from the site of the blast.
It was yet unknown what caused the explosion but it may have been fireworks prior to the Independence Day holiday on Monday.
The victim was identified as Connor Golden, an 18-year-old from Fairfax Virginia, who was visiting New York from Washington D.C. for the holiday, according to local media.
Eyewitnesses said Golden was climbing a rock structure with two friends when he stepped on something that blew up, according to the police.
The police and paramedics rushed to the scene after a call came in at 10:53 a.m. local time. The NYPD bomb squad was also dispatched.
The victim suffered a severe leg injury and faced "a possible amputation," said a Fire Department of New York spokesperson.
A witness, John Murray, said Golden's left foot was "all but gone." He told The New York Post that he spoke with Golden's friends after the blast and that they denied they were carrying fireworks.
The area affected was a popular tourist spot, which was a short distance from the Central Park Zoo.
"It was an accident," said police officer Ramos, who was standing guard near the site of the explosion.
Ramos said the explosives may likely be fireworks given that Monday marks the Fourth of July Independence Day. The national holiday is celebrated with display of fireworks around the country as a tradition.
Wrapping papers of what appears to be from fireworks had been recovered nearby by the police, local media said.
