ROCHESTER (WWJ) — Police in Rochester are responding to a large explosion Saturday night that injured multiple people.
The explosion happened about 8:45 p.m. Saturday on Main Street between Fourth Street and University Drive, according to the Rochester Police Department.
Police officials say it appears a propane tank outside 423 Main Bar, Grill & Rooftop caught fire and then exploded. The cause is believed to be accidental. Witnesses told WWJ's Charlie Langton the propane tank was being used for an outdoor heating lamp.
Police officials initially said three people sustained "serious" injuries, while several others suffered minor injuries. Rochester Fire Chief John Cieslik told Fox 2 five people were taken to the hospital, including three children, while at least two others were treated and released at the scene. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
Video from the scene shared by Langton on X, formerly Twitter, shows a large group of people gathered on the sidewalk, attending to multiple victims, who appeared attentive to the situation. While other police and first responders were still arriving to the scene, an officer and multiple civilians are seen applying a tourniquet to one man's leg.
Warning: the below video may be disturbing to some viewers.
In a second video Mark Mendola, owner of D'Marco's Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar a few doors down, described the explosion to Langton.
"Extremely loud. It just rattled everyone in the restaurant. We're hoping everyone is okay," he said.
Main Street remained closed for several hours late Saturday night, but it has since reopened.
There was a large police presence, along with first responders. Residents in the area reported there was an odor of gas following the explosion.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest details as they become available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!