NYPD: Someone Experimenting With Explosives Likely Responsible For Central Park Explosion

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police believe someone who experiments with explosives as a hobby is likely responsible for the blast in Central Park that led to an 18-year-old from Virginia to have his foot amputated.

Connor Golden, 18, of Fairfax, Virginia, was walking with two friends Sunday when he climbed down a rock and stepped on some sort of homemade device, triggering the explosion.

His grandmother received the news in Maryland.

"The next call from my son, Connor's father, is that his leg from his knee down would have to be amputated," Roberta Golden said. "His life will never be the same and I am very sad about that."

CBS2's Hazel Sanchez reported that police said forensic tests are being done to determine what kind of explosive was used. Investigators believe someone was experimenting, possibly making homemade fireworks. Police said there is no link to terrorism.

"I feel very insecure if that is happening," Sonia Balcazar of the Upper East Side said.

A small hole and newly laid sand marks the area where the explosion happened and is now cleared of any danger.

Golden's parents are with him at Bellevue Hospital where he had emergency surgery on Sunday. Golden's family said he will need a second surgery later this week to amputate his left leg just below the knee.

No one else was injured in the explosion.