NYC explosion: at least 15 injured, 1 dead

(Update: 11:23 a.m.)

At least one person has been confirmed dead and 15 have been injured including one with "heavy trauma" following the explosion that took place in East Harlem Wednesday morning.

Over 200 firefighters from more than 40 units are currently assisting at the scene and Mayor Bill de Blasio is on his way. Local residents are being instructed to stay inside and keep their windows closed as a thick smoke spreads around the area.

According to CNN, neighbors claim there was a smell of gas before the explosion. Investigators suspect this was the cause of the explosion.

(Original Story)

The New York City Police Department is investigating an explosion and fire that took place in East Harlem Wednesday Morning.

The explosion happened at 9 a.m. on Park Avenue between 114th and 117th streets, and caused two buildings to collapse. It is unclear if anyone was inside the buildings at the time of the explosion.

Photos and videos from the scene show smoke billowing from the site of the explosion at 116th Street and Park Avenue in Harlem.

Metro North said the explosion happened adjacent to the tracks. Train service into and out of Grand Central Terminal has been temporarily suspended.

According to NBC via Yahoo, at least four people have been transported to local hospitals after the incident, their condition is still unknown.

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