Two people are confirmed dead at a building collapse that was caused by a massive explosion.
According to a hospital spokeswoman, 18 people were hurt including a child that was rushed to Harlem hospital in critical condition. At Mount Sinai Hospital, a spokeswoman said they were treating at least 14 people including one with a brain injury, and two children. Three are in serious condition.
Fire officials said, Two buildings collapsed and firefighters are frantically picking through the rubble in a search for survivors. More fatalities are likely because a number of people are still missing.
Gas and electric workers are on the scene shutting down gas lines. Con Ed spokesman, Bob McGee said, the cause was unclear. A call about a gas leak was received at about 9:13 a.m. by a resident in one of the newer buildings on Park Avenue. A utility truck was dispatched, but arrived after the massive explosion.
“This is a tragedy of the worst kind, because there was no indication in time to save people,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said at the scene. He continued to say that the call of a gas lea,k came about 15 minutes before the explosion, was “the only indication of danger.”
Residents in the area said the explosion sounded like a bomb with clouds of dark smoke rising. “I heard a big explosion,” said a resident who identified herself as Angelica. “I didn’t know what was going on…My neighbors came banging on my door, telling me to get out. I guess they were evacuating the building. And I couldn’t get out. My door was jammed. Everything on my windowsill fell. I guess the impact of the explosion jammed the door as well.”
Molly Mills, living nearby said, that at the time of the explosion her building rumbled as if the subway was passing beneath it. “I went outside my terrace and there was smoke pouring out.”
According to a law enforcement source, the New York police bomb squad responded to the scene. Metro North rail service was suspended due to debris on the tracks.
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