As if we haven’t had enough with the situation in Ewing, New Jersey. An explosion in East Harlem collapsed two buildings on Park Avenue on 116th Street. It’s rumored that some people may be stuck in the buildings, but no conformations.
Witnesses have said that after they heard the noise, they felt the building shake and the immediately saw the smoke.
“The building shook and then we looked to see what was happening. We saw a whole lot of smoke. A lot of smoke came out,” witness Samuel Paul told CBS 2. “There’s a lot of dark smoke still coming out. A lot of fire engines I saw going to 125th Street.”
We’re hoping that everyone is okay, and as the details emerge, IFWT will keep you up to date. Check out the gallery for the scene and live coverage down below.
Find Updates Down Below!
UPDATE: 3/12/2014 – 11:30am
Reportedly, there were 16 injuries during the collapse of the two buildings in East Harlem. Three were said to be critical, while the others “minor.”
It’s said to say that one person has been pronounced dead due to their injuries. Sad situation. More on the way.
UPDATE: 3/12/2014 – 12:15pm
Unfortunately, the sad news continues. Another death has been reported in the horrific incident. Death total now stands at two, and injured, 17.
1642, 1644 and 1646 Park Avenue buildings were affected, with the latter two collapsing.
Reinaldo Ray Rosario, 48, said his girlfriend’s brother, wife and two children were in the building and are unaccounted for.
“We’re worried about the family,” he says. Let’s hope the fatalities stop at stop. Prayers going out to all families involved.
UPDATE: 3/12/2014 – 1:25pm
New York’s Mayor de Blasio speaks on the explosion in East Harlem around 9am. The cause is said to be a gas leak, but is preliminary.
“This is the worst kind of tragedy, because there was no indication in time to save people,” said the mayor. “We know that we’ve already lost two people.”
Currently, a search is taking place to look for individuals that may be unaccounted for.
Firefighters trying to put out the smoke.
The fallen buildings.
MORE PHOTOS OF THE SCENE IN THE GALLERY ABOVE!
UPDATE: 3/13/2014 – 5:30PM
Unfortunately, the death toll has risen from yesterday’s devastating series of events. As of now, there are now 7 victims of the deadly explosion. According to Daily News reporters, “five people were still missing and rescuers using cadaver dogs continued to search the wreckage while an idling medical examiner’s van awaited more tragic cargo.”
