New York City Explosion

Two people were killed and 18 injured this morning when an explosion took place in Manhattan's East Harlem section today. It looks as though the explosion collapsed a great majority of 2 apartment buildings, of which also housed a church according to news sources.

Tons of black smoke could been seen for miles originating from the building's location at Park Avenue and 116th Street in Harlem. The first explosion happened at 9:30am, about 17 minutes after Con Ed was responding to reports of a gas leak. This structure apparently houses about 15 different apartments and there is no report on the exact cause, although a gas leak is the suspected assumption as of now.

Over 200 firefighters have been working on the scene since this morning as they get the fire under control and start the clean up process.

Metro North trains were suspended in and out of Grand Central indefinitely due to debris all over the tracks and surrounding areas for all lines.

Right now, it looks like ALL lines are back up and running with delays out of GCT as of 5:15pm.

Backup plans include...Southbound customers from the New Haven & Harlem Lines will get off at the Harlem stations or Wakefield or Woodlawn, then walk to the No. 2 for service to Manhattan.

Northbound customers for all Harlem & New Haven stations should take the No. 5 subway to East 180th Street and transfer to the No. 2 subway north to the 233rd Street Station, where they can walk a short distance to the Metro-North’s Woodlawn Station.

NYC Mayor DeBlasio commented earlier this morning:

There is no indication of foul play

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the residents and families affected by this explosion this morning.