Initially, more people were missing, but they have since been accounted for, leaving two still missing, sources said. The explosion on Thursday occurred in a vibrant section of the East Villageone building at Second Avenue and Seventh Street, leveling three buildings, scattering debris and prompting street closures.
All buildings and businesses in the vicinity of the explosion site have been evacuated, with 144 residential units currently under vacate order. Some 50 firefighters are still trying to extinguish an active fire.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said while a probe was underway, preliminary evidence suggested it was a gas-related explosion.
“The initial impact appears to have been caused by plumping and gas work that was occurring inside one of the buildings,” the mayor said, adding that fire department personnel have been “battling heavy fire conditions” in the “complex and difficult operation”.
Images of the scene showed smoke engulfing the area with residents of the building making desperate attempts to escape the fire and flee to safety.
“Our thoughts and our prayers are with every one of them and their families. And of course, we are praying that no other individuals are found injured, and that there are no fatalities,” de Blasio said.
All buildings and businesses in the vicinity of the explosion site have been evacuated, with 144 residential units currently under vacate order. Some 50 firefighters are still trying to extinguish an active fire.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said while a probe was underway, preliminary evidence suggested it was a gas-related explosion.
“The initial impact appears to have been caused by plumping and gas work that was occurring inside one of the buildings,” the mayor said, adding that fire department personnel have been “battling heavy fire conditions” in the “complex and difficult operation”.
Images of the scene showed smoke engulfing the area with residents of the building making desperate attempts to escape the fire and flee to safety.
“Our thoughts and our prayers are with every one of them and their families. And of course, we are praying that no other individuals are found injured, and that there are no fatalities,” de Blasio said.