Several People Injured In Harlem Building Explosion

Source: WCBS-TV

NEW YORK (CBS) ― An explosion at a five-story, 20-unit apartment building in Harlem left several people seriously injured, including four children and a firefighter. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said a gas leak apparently caused the explosion, although the local utility said it had no evidence of a leak.

The injured included four children, one critically, and one infant, Scoppetta said. A firefighter was hurt when debris fell on him when he entered the first floor of the building on 119th St. between 5th Ave. and Lenox Ave.

Residents said they heard the explosion blocks away and screams coming from the 20-unit building just after 4 p.m. Witnesses said the explosion blew out some of the building's walls.

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Read more: http://wcbstv.com/local/harlem.building.collapse.2.314093.html

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Busy day for explosions... :-(


And God bless FDNY. They could use the help.

:patriot:

Source: WNBC

Explosion Rocks Harlem Apartment Building
One Firefighter Injured

POSTED: 5:20 pm EDT October 6, 2007
UPDATED: 6:53 pm EDT October 6, 2007


NEW YORK -- An explosion at a Harlem building Saturday injures one firefighter and at least 17 civilians, including three young children, fire officials said.

The explosion was reported at an occupied building on W. 114th street near Marcus Garvey Park just after 4 p.m., the Fire Department said.

Watch: Harlem Apartment Explosion


At least 17 people were injured, including three children, and among them an infant, officials said.

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Two other neighboring buildings were also evacuated.

Residents said they heard the explosion blocks away and screams coming from the 20-unit building just after 4 p.m. Witnesses said the explosion blew out some of the building's walls.

New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta was at the scene and briefed Mayor Michael Bloomberg on firefighting efforts.

Scoppetta said it appears the blast was the result of a gas explosion, but investigations are ongoing.

Consolidated Edison said it did not have a report of a gas leak from the building.

The Red Cross rushed to the scene to help lend aid to affected residents.

Read more: http://www.wnbc.com/news/14284843/detail.html?dl=mainclick