East Harlem Explosion Kills Eight & Devastates Neighbourhood

By Thalif Deen Reprint | | Print |

The explosion on 116th street is believed to be caused by a gas leak, authorities said. Credit: Joan Erakit

NEW YORK, Mar 13 2014 (IPS) - A huge explosion in East Harlem killed at least eight and devastated several buildings in the neighborhood. 

The scene was straight out of a Middle East battle zone reminiscent of destruction caused in the ongoing civil war in Syria.

According to initial reports, the explosion also resulted in scores of injuries, some life-threatening.

A team of workers from a nearby building were some of the first responders pulling out survivors, including a child, from the massive rubble.

The explosion took place on 116th street and Park Avenue around 9:30 am March 12.

According to initial reports the cause of the explosion was a gas leak, with neighbours complaining of a “bad odor”.

The two buildings that collapsed housed 15 apartments, a piano store called Absolute Piano and a Spanish Christian church.

Amidst heavy smoke and police barricades, several neighbours pleaded with police officers to allow them check on family members in nearby buildings. But it was deemed dangerous to walk into any of the buildings struck by the explosion. .

Bill de Blasio, New York city Mayor, who had to cancel an appointment with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday morning, arrived to survey the damage. H e described the explosion, “a tragedy of the worst kind because there was no indication in time to save people.”

“There’s a tremendous amount of anxiety, but suffice it to say, every effort is being made to locate these individuals,” the mayor said.