New York's Central Park closed after explosion injures man

New York: A young man was seriously injured after he was hit by an explosion in New York's Central Park on Sunday, authorities said.

The Central Park was partially closed for police investigation after the explosion rocked the southeastern part of the park, near the corner of 5th Avenue and 62th Street, Xinhua reported.

The part of the renowned park remained closed throughout the afternoon, with heavy presence of law enforcement standing guard and evacuating tourists from the site of the blast.

It was yet unknown what caused the explosion but it may have been fireworks prior to the Independence Day holiday on Monday.

The victim was identified as Connor Golden, an 18-year-old from Fairfax Virginia, who was visiting New York from Washington for the holiday, according to local media.

Eyewitnesses said Golden was climbing a rock structure with two friends when he stepped on something that blew up, according to the police.

The police and paramedics rushed to the scene after a call came in at 10:53 a.m. local time. The NYPD bomb squad was also dispatched.

The victim suffered a severe leg injury and faced "a possible amputation," said a Fire Department of New York spokesperson.