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One Reported Missing After New York City Explosion

A powerful explosion in the East Village caused two buildings to collapse and ignited a fire that injured at least 19 people.

A powerful explosion in Lower Manhattan on Thursday caused two buildings to collapse and ignited a large fire that quickly spread to neighboring buildings, leaving at least 19 people injured. At least one person was reported missing. As the fire raged in the East Village neighborhood, there were desperate attempts to flee, with residents jumping from fire escapes, and dramatic rescues, with one man climbing through the smoke to look for people who might have been stranded and others pulling a woman to safety.

The blaze was so intense that firefighters at one point had to withdraw from the buildings and engage in what one official called a “defensive outside attack,” pumping a deluge of water onto the structures.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, during a news conference at the scene, said “preliminary evidence suggests a gas-related explosion” was caused by plumbing and gas work being done at 121 Second Avenue, near Seventh Street. The explosion and ensuing fire destroyed that building and led to the collapse of an adjacent building, 123 Second Avenue.

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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