Community Corner
UPDATE: 7 Reported Killed, Dozens Hurt In Manhattan Explosion; More Missing
A gas leak explosion in East Harlem leveled two buildings killing at least two people and injuring at least 50.
Rescue workers found more victims Thursday from the massive explosion that collapsed two buildings in East Harlem a day earlier, bringing the total of known dead to seven, with five people still missing and dozens injured.
The New York Times reported rescue workers sifted through rubble throughout a freezing night to locate the victims. The task was complicated by a large sinkhole that formed in front of the buildings, limiting the use of heavy machinery, the Times reported.
The explosion razed two five-story buildings to collapse at about 9:30 a.m. The explosion shattered nearby windows and sent smoke billowing into the sky. It could be felt up to a mile away.
Firefighters fought flames into the afternoon and continued searching through rubble for survivors.
"This is a tragedy of the worst kind because there was no indication in time to save people," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told the Times.
Video from the scene is attached to this post.
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