3 hurt, 1 critically, in gas explosion at JFK High School in the Bronx

BRONX, N.Y. (WABC) -- A gas line exploded Thursday night during construction at a high school in the Marble Hill section of the Bronx, injuring three construction workers.

The explosion, at John F. Kennedy High School, seriously injured three workers Thursday night. Fire officials said nearly 140 firefighters responded to the scene after the blast around 8:09 p.m. in the Marble Hill section. Authorities say construction crews were working on a sixth-floor gas line when it occurred, seriously burning the contractors.

Improvements were being done to the science lab, according to the School Construction Authority.

There is structural damage to floors 4,5 and 6 of the school. The explosion happened on the sixth floor. On Friday morning, workers were assessing the structural integrity of the Terrace View Avenue building, which is home to seven schools. School starts Sept. 9.

The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades 9-12.

The injured were taken to Jacobi Medical Center, one in critical condition, the other two in serious but stable condition. Mayor Bill de Blasio said the workers all suffered serious burns.

"A very troubling evening for residents in Marble Hill, they felt a blast, they felt the building shake, and what we see here at JFK High is a shocking scene," said the mayor.

CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE SCENE

According to people in the area, the explosion could be heard throughout the neighborhood, rocking windows and setting off car alarms.

Custodial workers in the building described the explosion.

"A loud thunderous bomb, that's what it really sounded like, this really big huge thunder went off right in front of you," said Jason Osorio.

Fire officials say gas to the building has been shut off.

Photo courtesy NYC Fire Wire

(Some information from the Associated Press)