Massive Explosion in East Harlem

WABC-TV has reported that there was an explosion around 9:30 a.m. causing two buildings to collapse on 116th Street and Park Avenue in Upper Manhattan on Wednesday. There have been 15 injured and two confirmed deaths, according to WABC-TV. Reportedly, over 200 firefighters responded to the scene.

The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time, but Con Edison confirms that it was responding to a report of a gas odor in the area just before the explosion occurred. The call came in at 9:13 a.m. from a resident who indicated the odor may have been coming from outside the building. Two con edison crews were dispatched at 9:15 a.m. They arrived just after the explosion occurred. The street is served by an 8-inch low-pressure gas main. Con Edison is checking gas lines and working to isolate any leaks.

Photos from the scene:





(via: WABC-TV NEW YORK, NY)