At least six killed in New York building collapse

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An explosion and collapse of two five-story buildings in Manhattan’s East Harlem neighbourhood killed at least six people and left at least 24 injured on Wednesday, according to New York police and fire authorities. A number of people were also unaccounted for.

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said preliminary information showed 1644 and 1646 Park Avenue on the corner of 116th Street collapsed after a gas leak triggered a blast at around 9:30am. Around 44 units and 250 firefighters had been deployed to calm the resulting fire, which was categorised as five alarm, the most serious level, the fire department said.

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“This is a tragedy of the worst kind. The only indication of danger came 15 mins earlier,” Mr de Blasio told reporters a few blocks from the scene. “There are a number of missing individuals. There will be a search as soon as the fire is put out. I know there is a tremendous amount of anxiety right now,” he added. He cancelled all scheduled events for rest of the day.

Flames spewed into the sky and heavy smoke and dust filled the air following the blast that also made an impact on neighbouring buildings. Fire engines sprayed water from high cranes on to the burning heap of broken bricks, wood and metal.

Consolidated Edison, the city’s largest utility, said it had received a call at 9:13am from a resident at a neighbouring building who reported smelling gas. “They indicated the odour may have been coming from outside of their building,” a Con Ed spokesman said. Seven buildings in the area, including the two that have collapsed, have had their gas lines switched off...

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