Manhattan Building Collapse: Explosion, Fire in East Village Injure Two Dozen
A building has partially collapsed in Manhattan’s East Village, resulting in at least 19 injuries, according to media reports and FDNY. An explosion and fire were also reported.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a statement on the building collapse.
“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, but that is an ongoing effort that FDNY and all other first responders are involved in,” he said.
He added: “I want to also commend the FDNY. This is a complex and difficult operation they’re mounting here, obviously doing everything they can to search for anyone who still may be in those buildings, but also to ensure that there’s not spread of fire to the surrounding buildings. And the FDNY, as usual, is doing an extraordinary job handling this very, very difficult situation.”
The area was being evacuated, and the city’s health department advised residents to keep their windows closed because of the smoke. Investigators were looking into whether there had been a gas leak.
“The fire is almost down to smoke now,” said writer Scott Westerfeld. “FDNY may have saved the adjoining buildings. Still four streams of water on it.”
Adil Choudhury, who lives a block away, ran outside when he heard “a huge boom.”
“Already there was smoke everywhere” when he saw the building, he said. “The flames were coming out from the roof. The fire was coming out of every window.”
Freelance photographer Michael Seto said he could feel the explosion in his apartment, about 1 ½ blocks away.
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter who covers a range of topics, including politics, U.S., and health news. A father of two, Jack grew up in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5