An explosion near a high-rise building in Manhattan has resulted in a large fire. The fire caused extensive damage to the building and a large cloud of black smoke filled the air. Video footage of the incident quickly spread online. Emergency sirens could also be heard.
Within minutes of the reported explosion, a large contingent of firefighters, estimated to be around 100, and other emergency personnel arrived at the scene. They immediately began to fight the fire that had engulfed the building. Manhattan is a densely populated area.
The circumstances surrounding the explosion and fire are still under investigation. It is currently unclear what caused the initial explosion or what caused the fire to break out. Firefighters remain at the scene, working to contain the fire and search for any potential casualties.
The New York City Fire Department confirmed that fire marshals are investigating the origins of the fire. The flames rapidly spread from the roof to the cockloft and the three penthouse apartments. Roughly 40 fire units, involving approximately 170 FDNY members, were sent to address the three-alarm fire.