Explosion in NYC Hotel: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

New York Fire Department and the NYPD are on scene at hotel in Manhattan where an explosion is believed to have occurred at around 7:00a.m. (EST), reports CBS New York.

The building was announced as being bought by the Viceroy Hotel group in January 2013, is due to open in September.

This is a breaking story so please stay tuned for updates.

Here’s what we know so far…

1. The Blast May Have Come From a Tool Box

(Broadcastify)

It’s believed that a construction worker’s tool box exploded.

2. There Are Reports of Injuries

One person is believed to have been hurt by the blast but little is known about the person or the extent of their injuries.

3. The East Bound Lanes of 57th Street Have Been Closed

The area around 57th street has been closed by law-enforcement, causing chaos during for mid-morning commuters.

4. The Hotel is Still Under Construction

The new 29-story building is currently undergoing construction. The building, which is reportedly 299 feet tall, will have 240 rooms.

5. It is Next to Another Hotel

In the street view above of the lot that is in the process of becoming the Viceroy Hotel, you can see that it resides next to another hotel, the Parker Meridien. Initial reports of the story incorrectly identified the Parker Meridien hotel as the location of the small explosion. They commented on their twitter above.