Manhattan explosion a tragedy: Mayor

A massive explosion caused by gas leak has demolished two buildings in East Harlem, New York, on the morning of March 12, killing two women and injuring dozens. Several people are missing.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said at the scene: “This is a tragedy of the worse kind because there was no indication in time to save people. There was no warning in advance.”

The fire was up to a five-alarm level when the Mayor arrived at the scene. He said that there would be a search through the rubble of the building once the fire has been put out.

Police and 250 firefighters have rushed to the scene and they are continuing the search among rubble and debris, making sure no one was trapped underneath.