BREAKING: Two buildings collapse, killing 2 women and injuring 17 after gas explosion in Harlem A thunderous explosion in Harlem sent people flying out the windows, killing two women, injuring 17 and leaving two buildings in rubble Wednesday morning, according to the Fire Department and witnesses. “For weeks weve been smelling gas, said Ashley Rivera, 21, holding back tears. We saw people flying out of the windows. Those are my neighbors. A law enforcement source said the cause appeared to have been a gas explosion that leveled the two five-story buildings containing a piano store and Spanish Christian Church on the ground floors. FDNY works at the scene of a deadly gas explosion in Harlem where two women were killed, 17 other people were injured in a blast that destroyed two buildings. James Keivom/New York Daily News FDNY works at the scene of a deadly gas explosion in Harlem where two women were killed, 17 other people were injured in a blast that destroyed two buildings. Residents of a building neighboring the site had complained of gas at 9:13 a.m. — 18 minutes before the explosion, Con Edison spokeswoman Elizabeth Matthews said. Con Ed workers “arrived just after the explosion occurred,” NYPD offcers cover their mouths from the smoke at the scene. James Keivom/New York Daily News NYPD offcers cover their mouths from the smoke at the scene. Mayor de Blasio was on his way to the scene. Police Commissioner Bill Bratton had already arrived. The White House said President Obama had been briefed on the blast that witnesses said was heard as far away as First Ave. Angelica Aguiler, 25, said she was asleep in her sixth-floor apartment when she felt the building quake. “The window exploded. I was trying to get out but the door wouldnt open,” said Aguiler, describing her terror as neighbors tried in vain to help her escape. 17 people were injured in the explosion, 2 women were killed, according to authorities. James Keivom/New York Daily News 17 people were injured in the explosion, 2 women were killed, according to authorities. “I called my stepmom and told her I was trapped. I couldnt get out! It was her stepmom, Melinda Cruz, 42, that finally rescued Aguiler. RELATED: ELDERLY WOMAN DIES IN CHELSEA HIGH-RISE FIRE One of the victims stands on Park Ave. after two buildings exploded and collapsed. Barry Williams for New York Daily News One of the victims stands on Park Ave. after two buildings exploded and collapsed. “I had to sneak in through the back of the building. I got to her and opened the door. I hugged her, said Cruz. The fire began inside the Absolute Piano store at 1646 Park Ave. and was followed by the blast, witnesses told the Daily News. Windows of nearby storefronts were shattered. Ariel view of the smoke moving over Harlem from scene of deadly blast. Mark Bonifacio/New York Daily News Ariel view of the smoke moving over Harlem from scene of deadly blast. Childrens toys and school books were mixed in with the rubble. At least three cars appeared to have been driving by the building when it blew. Firefighters used tools to rescue people trapped inside their rides. Other smokeaters sifted through the rubble looking for victims as others continued to douse the flames. RELATED: QUEENS WOMAN, 92, KILLED IN HOUSE FIRE Firefighters spray the destroyed building with water on Wednesday morning. Marcus Santos/New York Daily News Firefighters spray the destroyed building with water on Wednesday morning. A Fire Department spokesman said 200 firefighters were on the scene. A school behind the buildings was evacuated. A firefighter on the scene said that a building at the corner of East 117th St. and Park Ave. had become unstable as a result of the collapse. A victim is carried on a stretcher by emergency personnel. Barry Williams for New York Daily News A victim is carried on a stretcher by emergency personnel. Bystanders lingered with dust on their coats. Anthony Ferguson, 58, said he saw a man run into the burning building — and then be violently ejected onto the street by the force of the blast. RELATED: FOUR NY FIREFIGHTERS HURT IN BROOKLYN BLAZE Medics treat victims at the scene of the fatal fire on Wednesday. David Handschuh/New York Daily News Medics treat victims at the scene of the fatal fire on Wednesday. “He flew back!” said Ferguson, adding he saw first responders pull another man from the debris. Mustafa Shohataa, 27, was standing on the south side of East 116th St. when he felt a wave of air followed by two explosions. I felt it like a breeze and the noises came and stuff started falling from the sky,” Shohataa said. “Smoke filled the street and people were running. I thought a train came off the tracks...It felt like the world shook.” Emergency personnel rush victim from the scene where at least one person was reported dead. Joe Marino/New York Daily News Emergency personnel rush victim from the scene where at least one person was reported dead. Mitch Abreu, 23, was working at Milciades Barbershop nearby when he said he heard two explosions that shook the shop. It was loud, like boom, boom! he said. It rocked the whole block. A window blew out of the other shop down the street. It looked like the towers all over again. People covered in dust and covering their mouths.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 16:28:41 +0000
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