The Latest: Governor: Prison guard seriously burned by blast

FLOYD, N.Y. – The Latest on the investigation into an exploding package that burned a New York prison guard after he picked it up near his home (all times local):

5:15 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says a prison guard suffered serious burns when he opened an exploding package he found outside his home.

The Democratic governor says the corrections officer was severely injured when the item blew up Sunday morning in Floyd, a town near Utica. Neighbors say they heard a loud boom, followed by screams and sirens.

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol (MAY’-shul) says the 52-year-old victim is hospitalized in stable condition with burns on his arms and hands. Authorities haven’t released his name.

Maciol says it’s not yet clear whether the explosion was related to the man’s work. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision referred inquiries to the governor’s office.

Cuomo calls it “horrific.” State and federal agencies are helping investigate.

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3:30 p.m.

Authorities say an exploding package has injured a prison guard who found it near his central New York mailbox.

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol (MAY’-shul) says it’s not yet clear whether the explosion Sunday was related to the victim’s work. State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision representatives haven’t immediately responded to inquiries about the matter.

Maciol says the corrections officer picked up the package at around 8 a.m. outside his home in Floyd. It’s near Utica and a prison in Marcy.

Maciol says the package blew up, and the 52-year-old man is hospitalized with burns to his arms.

Authorities haven’t released his name.

The explosion stunned nearby residents in the quiet town. Neighbors said they heard a loud boom, followed by screams and sirens.