A college student from Fairfax, Virginia, was seriously injured Sunday in New York City's Central Park when he unwittingly jumped on explosive material that had been left next to a rock, according to police and his family.
The bizarre accident forced the amputation of 18-year-old Connor Golden's left leg below the knee and set the nation's largest city on edge a day before the July 4th holiday was expected draw thousands to watch the city's annual fireworks display.
New York City police officials said at an evening news conference that they had no evidence to indicate the blast was related to terrorism and had documented no credible threats against the city. But many questions about the case remain unanswered.
Deputy Police Chief John O'Connell said the explosion occurred near East 60th Street and 5th Avenue shortly after 10:50 a.m. Golden and two friends jumped off a rock and Golden landed directly on the explosive material. A New York City Fire Department spokesman said the blast nearly blew off Golden's foot, but his two friends were uninjured.
The explosion panicked parkgoers and could be heard nearby at the Orthodox Fifth Avenue Synagogue, where the funeral for Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel was underway. Police said they do not think the blast was targeting the funeral.
O'Connell said the material was not an explosive device or related to commercial fireworks, but he did not give its chemical name or describe exactly how it was packaged.
Authorities said the material was "shock-sensitive," but not meant to go off by stepping on it. The material may have been placed next to the rock to hide it and could have been there for longer than a day. Police were using sniffer dogs to search the rest of the park for additional explosives but said none had been found by early Sunday evening.
"We believe this could have been put here as a part of an experiment," O'Connell said. He said he did not think that Golden or his two friends were involved in the creation of the explosive device or placing it in the park.
Golden was rushed to the hospital, where he was in surgery Sunday evening and was listed in serious but stable condition.
Golden's grandmother, Roberta Golden of Silver Spring, Maryland, said in an interview that her grandson had gone to New York with friends or had traveled to visit friends there. She said Connor's parents immediately left Fairfax to be with him.
"I can't believe it," Golden said. "My husband told me to sit down because he had to tell me something about Connor. I was afraid he was going to say Connor was dead."
Golden said her grandson just completed his freshman year at the University of Miami, where he is majoring in music engineering. She said he had graduated with honors from Oakton High School in Fairfax County and was an avid rock climber who especially loved climbing in Great Falls, Virginia.
"I get chills wondering if Connor knows yet whether his leg has been amputated," Golden said.
The Washington Post
Mon Jul 04 2016
Man receives assistance after blast at Central Park in New York on July 3, 2016 (AFP Photo/Kena Betancur)
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.