Two buildings collapse in New York after explosion in Manhattan
An apparent gas explosion caused two apartment buildings to collapse and burst into flames, and two others to catch fire, injuring at least 12 people on Thursday in New York City, Reuters reports. The explosion, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m. and sent flames leaping into the sky, rocked the residential area in Manhattan. Bloodied victims ran from the buildings, collapsing on the street, witnesses said. Three people were critically injured, New York Mayor de Blasio told a news conference near the scene of the blast. Officials said they believe work was being done to the building's gas utilities before the blast. The explosion triggered a fire in a building that housed a sushi restaurant. The blaze then quickly spread to adjacent buildings, BBC said citing the mayor. The buildings on Second Avenue at East Seventh Street are near New York University and the Washington Square Park area. Manhattan's East Village is a neighbourhood of small businesses, restaurants and apartments. Thick plumes of dark smoke could be seen across Manhattan on Thursday.
