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Manhattan Building Collapses After Apparent Gas Explosion

This story has been updated.

An explosion and five-alarm fire have caused at least one building in Lower Manhattan to collapse.

An explosion and five-alarm fire have caused at least one building in Lower Manhattan to collapse.

Photo Credit: NYC Fire Wire Facebook Page

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- An apparent gas explosion and subsequent seven-alarm fire has caused the collapse of a building on the Lower East Side of Manhattan Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports.

FDNY responded to the 3:15 p.m. call and found a sushi restaurant located on Second Avenue at East 7th Street billowing flames and smoke. Apartments are located above the restaurant.

It is believed a non-municipal construction crew hit a gas line, triggering the blast, according to WCBS 880 Radio.

Thirteen injuries have been reported, with three of those injuries listed as critical, according to WCBS-TV.

As of now, subways and trains are running without delay, however traffic in downtown Manhattan is at a standstill. 

Responders were forced to pull back due to the intensity of the flames that have since spread to a neighboring building, WABC-TV reported. 

 

 

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