The explosion that took place this morning in Harlem in New York City may have been caused by a gas leak, according to CNN.com. Con Ed spokesman Bob McGee stated that the utility received a call at 9:13 a.m. about a gas leak. While a vehicle was dispatched, though, it arrived after the explosion, according to CNN.com.
At around 9:00 a.m. EST this morning, two buildings reportedly exploded in Harlem, according to The Mirror. So far, four people have been taken to the hospital with as many as 16 others suffering from minor injuries, according to USA Today. Further reports state that at least one person is dead, according to The New York Times.
WABC reported that residents heard a large explosion in an apartment building around 9 a.m. on Wednesday. They then saw smoke in the area.
The buildings are located in East Harlem at 1644 Park Avenue and 1646 Park Avenue. The buildings lie between 116th Street and 117th Street. According to CBS Local, the buildings were both five stories tall and one of the buildings that collapsed housed a piano repair shop with apartments above. The other building housed a church.
Currently, there are 39 units and 168 firefighters on the scene dealing with the incident, according to The Mirror. The collapsed buildings occur very close to rail lines, and Metro North services into Grand Central Station have been suspended for the time being. Smoke is reportedly blanketing the area like a fog, and residents are encouraged to stay indoors with their windows closed.
