Car Explodes in Lower Manhattan, Startling Onlookers but Causing No Casualties

(CNA, New York, Manhattan, 20th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) A car caught fire and exploded in Lower Manhattan, New York City, near the famous Charging Bull statue, sending thick black smoke into the air. According to media outlets such as ABC's affiliate ABC7, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) stated that the incident occurred yesterday around 5:42 PM, and the fire was extinguished by about 7:00 PM the same evening. Video from the scene showed a car, suspected to belong to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), parked on the roadside when it was suddenly engulfed in flames. Within minutes, the fire intensified and produced a loud explosion, causing panic among the crowds gathered at the popular tourist spot. Officials confirmed that no one was injured or killed in the incident. Despite the powerful explosion, response teams successfully prevented the fire from spreading to other vehicles or buildings. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.