Originally published on March 12, 2014
Two buildings in New York collapsed at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday (March 12) due to an explosion believed to be caused by a gas leak, killing two people and injuring more than 50.
Witnesses said the blast felt like an earthquake, shattered windows in nearby buildings and caused groceries to fall off the shelves in nearby on a largely residential block at East 116th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem. The two buildings consisted of residential units above a church and piano store.
According to a Reuters, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said preliminary information showed the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
"The explosion was based on a gas leak. The impact affected buildings around the two that were destroyed, very heavy impact on the surrounding buildings. A heavy fire has ensued as well."
De Blasio said the only indication of danger came about 15 minutes earlier when a gas leak was reported to local utility company Con Edison.
"Con Ed dispatched a team immediately to respond. The explosion occurred before that team could arrive. As soon as the explosion was called in the FDNY responded literally within two minutes of the call for help."
