3 victims identified in Harlem explosion

Three victims have been identified after an explosion collapsed two buildings in the Manhattan's East Harlem neighborhood.

The victims were identified as Griselde Camacho, Carmen Tanco and Rosaura Hernández and were all residents of 1644 Park Ave., one of the two buildings destroyed by the explosion.

Camancho, 44, was a public safety officer at Hunter College and mother to a teenage son. She was at her home with her mother, who was able to escape safely.

"Griselde was a well-liked member of our community, a respected officer and a welcoming presence," Jennifer Raab, president of Hunter College, said in a statement. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support them in their time of great emotional need."

Tanco, 67, was a dental hygienist who immigrated to New York from Puerto Rico as a teenager. Her family started to frantically search for her when they realized she wasn't at work.

Tanco was always a "helpful person," her cousin Diana Cortez told The New York Times. "If you were sick, she came to your home and cooked for you and cleaned for you."

Rosaura Hernández, 21, also died in the tragedy. Police are still working to identify the four remaining victims and continue to search for those still missing.

[HuffPost Live] [New York Times]