At least one person has died and several have been injured in a possible gas explosion in Brooklyn this afternoon.
Massive billowing smoke cloud rising over south Bklyn. Looking towards Church Ave. Chopper overhead. pic.twitter.com/cPe2PqafE6
— Joel Werner (@joelwerner) October 3, 2015
The FDNY says they responded to a report of an explosion at 4206 13th Avenue near 42nd Street in Borough Park just after 1 p.m. They say there were five injuries, including one fatality; three people were taken to a local hospital by Hatzolah EMS. The other injured person is believed to be a firefighter.
FDNY confirms fatal fire in Bk. Fire moving to 2 other buildings. Cause unknown. Residents report hearing explosion. pic.twitter.com/Fthd7QgRtb
— Brynn Gingras (@Brynn4NY) October 3, 2015
Over 100 firefighters are still at the scene battling the blaze, which is now a three-alarm fire. A spokesperson added that "it appears to be a gas explosion." We'll update as we learn more details.
Brooklyn I'm on the scene of a Fatal 3rd Alarm Fire & Gas Explosion with a collapse on 13th Ave & 42nd St pic.twitter.com/MB8LKJDacp
— David T (@nycbikerider) October 3, 2015
Update: Gov Cuomo released this statement about today's explosion, calling it a "disturbing trend."
Earlier today, an explosion took place at a building in the Borough Park neighborhood in Brooklyn. This explosion is the latest in a disturbing trend of incidents that occurred in Harlem and the East Village. In light of this, I am directing the State Department of Public Service to undertake an investigation into the cause of this incident. That investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided to the public as soon as they are available.
On behalf of all New Yorkers, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have been impacted by today's explosion, especially the friends and family of those lost or injured.