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New York City explosion: Fire rages after a building collapses in the East Village New York City explosion: Fire rages after two buildings collapse in the East Village
(35 minutes later)
An explosion in New York City has caused a 2nd Avenue building to collapse and another building is on fire, according to local reports. An explosion in New York City has caused two 2nd Avenue buildings to collapse and two other buildings are on fire in the city's East Village neighbourhood, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.
This is NOT looking good... #EastVillage pic.twitter.com/z5u7POHT2jThis is NOT looking good... #EastVillage pic.twitter.com/z5u7POHT2j
FDNY tweeted that the fire had grown to seven-alarm status, indicating the severity of the blaze. Reports suggest that people still may be inside the building.
MAN 7-ALARM 125 2 AVE, MIXED OCCUPANCY MAJOR BUILDING COLLAPSE,
The explosion happened about 3:20 pm on Thursday in the East Village neighbourhood in Manhattan. Local media reported that the building is home to a restaurant, with apartments above.
  
Twelve people have been confirmed injured by FDNY and as many as four people are in critical condition. All firefighters have been accounted for. There have been no reports of additional missing people, the mayor said.
Preliminary reports indicate the explosion was caused by a gas leak while plumbing and gas work was going on in the building at 121 2nd Avenue, which collapsed. The building at 123 2nd Avenue also collapsed.
The buildings at 119 and 125 2nd Avenue also caught fire, but the blaze has not spread beyond there.
FDNY tweeted that the fire had grown to seven-alarm status, indicating the severity of the blaze.
MAN 7-ALARM 125 2 AVE, MIXED OCCUPANCY MAJOR BUILDING COLLAPSE,
The explosion happened about 3:20 pm on Thursday in the East Village neighbourhood in Manhattan. Local media reported that the building is home to a restaurant, with apartments above. Three adjacent buildings caught fire and another collapsed, the mayor said.
A spokesman for the New York fire department told The Independent it remains an active situation and that two buildings are on fire. The spokesman declined to comment on injuries or deaths.A spokesman for the New York fire department told The Independent it remains an active situation and that two buildings are on fire. The spokesman declined to comment on injuries or deaths.
Possible gas leak on 2nd Avenue & 7th street causes explosion #EastVillage pic.twitter.com/gmBCpDmScBPossible gas leak on 2nd Avenue & 7th street causes explosion #EastVillage pic.twitter.com/gmBCpDmScB
This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.
Watch early #FDNY units operating at 123&121 2nd Avenue in the East Village http://t.co/8o7qlaVldwWatch early #FDNY units operating at 123&121 2nd Avenue in the East Village http://t.co/8o7qlaVldw