In thick smoke and bitter cold, Emergency workers are on the scene of an Upper Manhattan explosion.
Two residential buildings collapsed here on Wednesday, caused by what is thought to be a gas leak.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio gave an update on the number of casualties:
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW YORK MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO, SAYING:
"Tragically there are now seven people confirmed dead. Approximately 40 people have been treated and transported by EMS to nearby hospitals... "
Crews picked through smoldering rubble, looking for survivors. With at least five people still people missing, a lot of questions remain.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW YORK MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO, SAYING:
"The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Fire Department's bureau of Fire Investigations, meaning the Fire Marshalls. And the police department's arson and explosives unit. And they're now working in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board."
