Jeep ‘Explodes’ in New Rochelle

New Rochelle police say it was not a bomb that caused a Jeep Cherokee to explode upon ignition at 11:30pm April 19th

outside 111 Union Avenue.  The 70 year-old driver had just left the Italian social club at that location, returned to his locked vehicle and turned it on.  

 

Passersby pulled the man from the vehicle.  He was taken to Jacobi Medical Center where he was treated for minor burn injuries to his head and right hand, and released.

 

As the investigation continues, police, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Westchester County Bomb Squad are focusing on a "melted blob" (as police call it), with residue believed to be gasoline, that was found in the vehicle.  The victim is speaking with police but has not said whether a fuel container was in the car and/or whether he was smoking.

 

At the present time, police have no reason to believe anyone wanted to harm the victim.

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