An major explosion in New York’s East Village has injured around 20 people and caused the collapse of two apartment buildings. At least four of the injured were in critical condition.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the blast appeared to have been caused by gas work inside one of the buildings.
He said gas and plumbing repair work had been underway, and that utility inspectors had been on the scene about an hour before the explosion and found the work did not pass inspection.
“To the best of our knowledge they were working on the gas in the building. That was the work begin done and right now the fire marshals and the police department are investigating with all of the people involved and I’m sure by the end of tonight we’ll know a lot more,” added New York Fire Commisioner Daniel Nigro.
The explosion caused two apartment buildings to collapse and burst into flames and two others to catch fire.
The area of the fire was evacuated and residents in Manhattan were advised to
