Fireworks cause SUV fire on Thruway; 5 hurt

Authorities in Orange County are investigating a fireworks mishap Monday that caused an SUV to explode, injuring five New York City men.

Fire officials say the men, who are all from the Bronx, reported that their Fourth of July cargo somehow went haywire, smoking and then exploding while driving on the New York State Thruway southbound in Tuxedo.

Officials say the driver swerved in a panic and stopped along the left shoulder, where the group was able to exit the vehicle moments before it went up in flames.

Three men in the back seat, closest to the fireworks, were seriously burned, officials say. Two of them are in critical condition. The other two men in the front suffered minor injuries.

The names of the victims, who are all believed to be in their 20s, are not being released. Authorities have not said what went wrong or how the fireworks ignited.

News 12 is told that three of the victims remain in the hospital.