One man injured in Wheatfield explosion

A 44-year-old man suffered a "catastrophic" injury to his foot in an explosion early Tuesday morning in the Town of Wheatfield, according to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Communication Center received a 911 call at 3:38 a.m. July 21 from a woman at a home at 6761 Walmore Road, reporting an explosion and smoke coming from the home's detached garage. When sheriff's deputies arrived, they found the man on the ground. The woman who made the call provided first aid by applying pressure to the injury.

According to some reports, bomb-making materials were found at the garage. Sheriff James Voutour said the injured man is a former corrections officer with the Sheriff's Office.

The man was taken by Mercy Flight to the Erie County Medical Center. His condition has not been released. Bergholz Fire Co., Frontier Fire Co and Tri-Community Ambulance Co. responded to the scene.

The Sheriff's Office criminal division is investigating.