35 injured in fire and explosions at New York cosmetics factory

Two explosions and a fire at a cosmetics factory about an hours’ drive north of New York City left 35 people injured, including seven firefighters caught in the second blast, authorities said on Monday.

New Windsor police said the first explosion occurred at the Verla International cosmetics factory. Firefighters who responded were inside when the second explosion occurred a few minutes later.

The injured included a firefighter who was taken to the burn unit at Westchester Medical Centre, Green said. Officials said none of the injuries appear to be life threatening.

Crews battled the blaze into Monday afternoon. A man who answered the phone at one of the responding fire services called the blaze a “five-alarm chemical fire with multiple counties helping.”

Hazardous materials teams also responded, Green said.

“I don’t believe at this point that it is completely under control,” Green said.