A major explosion in Manhattan sent people screaming into the street and has injured at least 29 people, according to The New York Police Department.
Manhattan: New video shows moments before the explosion that went off at West 23 St 7th Ave.
New York police said a possible secondary device had been located and urged people to use caution:
A possible secondary device has been located @ 27th Street, 6th – 7th Avenues. #NYPD nvestigations are ongoing. Avoid the area @NYPD13Pct
One man filmed a robot checking out the second pressure cooker style device on Periscope:
.@mazdackrassi #Periscope: On 27th street again #chelsea Robot going in after pressure cooker bomb #explosion t.co/Y7U4AG5Jzh
Others also captured the scene with cell phones:
However, the injuries were all non life threatening but one was considered serious, the New York police said. The blast occurred outside Associated Blind Housing Facility, which helps the visually impaired, said The New York Post.
“Tonight, New York city experienced a very serious incident,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a press conference. “Injuries are significant… At this point, we can confirm that none of those injured are likely to die. There is no evidence at this point that there is a terror connection to this incident.” However, the mayor said: “We believe at this point in time that this was an intentional act.”
New Yorkers, said the mayor, “will not be intimidated.”
The police commissioner, James O’Neill, said officers were on patrol when they witnessed a large explosion. Officers called for additional units and ambulances. He said the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
The investigation is active and “an extensive search is being conducted,” the police commissioner said. The area around the explosive site was being treated as a crime scene, and there was no evidence that the explosion was caused by natural gas.
At this time, 25 confirmed wounded but none with life-threatening injuries. Actively monitoring situation. #Chelsea
The blast was reported as an “IED” explosion.
ABC 7 also reported that there were at least 25 injuries, according to The New York Fire Department.
The New York Daily News said police were questioning a possible suspect found about eight blocks from the explosion.
Onlookers reported a “chaotic” scene.
Crazy scene here at 23/7. Cops and fire engines. Ambulances & helicopters over head. Supposed bomb went off at 23/6
Counter-terrorism police were spotted in the Hells Kitchen area.
Counter-terrorism police now at the corner of 53 and 9th in Hells Kitchen #nyc #chelsea #hellskitchen
Fox 5 Manhattan said that the explosion occurred at 8:30 p.m. in the Chelsea area of Manhattan, with the first reports disseminated on social media. The blast was reported on crowded West 23rd Street, said The Associated Press.
Video and photos captured the chaos at the scene.
NYPD questioning possible suspect in #Chelsea blast picked up eight blocks away, sources say t.co/131NPEbsbc
The New York Post reported that 26 had suffered minor injuries and that a dumpster explosion was the cause.
#Update re: Explosion (photo)
The New York Daily News reported that the explosion ripped through Chelsea, sending people running and screaming.
There were reports that multiple people might be injured.
People posted photos and videos on Twitter as details unfolded.
Explosion Rocks New York City: Multiple People Injured as IED Device Detonates in Downtown Manhattan t.co/HmcxjDiNNa
Stay turned for more details. This page will be updated as details come in.
There was another dumpster explosion in New Jersey early on Sunday, but so far there has been no evidence the Chelsea and New Jersey incidents are linked.
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