Tourist Severely Injured by Explosion in New York's Central Park

[Anthony]

A tourist visiting New York is in critical but stable condition after seriously injuring his foot in an explosion in Central Park on Sunday.

The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Connor Golden from Fairfax, Virginia. The explosion happened when the victim unknowingly stepped on it.

According to several witnesses, the victim was walking with his two friends when he stepped on something and it blew up.

Authorities think an “explosive hobbyist†may have placed the device that detonated when Golden stepped on it. “We believe this could have been put here as some sort of experiment,†NYPD Inspector John O’Connell said.

Authorities don’t believe the victim or his friends took part in making the explosive.

“There is some forensic evidence that indicates it wasn't meant to go off with somebody stepping on it,†bomb squad commander Lt. Mark Torre said. “It may have not gone off at an earlier time and was just left there.â€

Golden was transported to Bellevue where he is undergoing surgery on his left foot, facing a possible amputation.

Police said the incident remains under investigation. They’re asking the public with information to please come forward.