East harlem Building Explosion : 11 minor injuries reported (Video)

An explosion destroyed two residential buildings in East Harlem Wednesday morning.

The explosion happened on 116th Street and Park just after 9:30 a.m., according to officials. A five-alarm fire continues to rage at the site of the explosion.

The New York City fire department told the AP at least 11 minor injuries had been reported.

WABC reports area residents reported hearing a large explosion in the six-story apartment building around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Fire and structural damage was also reportedly seen in the building before at least a partial roof collapse occurred.

The site is near Metro-North commuter railroad tracks, off the northeastern tip of Central Park. NBC

ABC reports bus service is also affected, with M1, M102 and M116 buses being detoured.

It is unclear whether the building was occupied, but neighbors told ABC the apparent explosion was between two residential buildings. The cause of the explosion is unknown.

“My prayers are w/ the injured & all affected by today’s building explosion on 116th in #EastHarlem,” New York State Sen. Jose M. Serrano wrote on Twitter.

Agencies/Canadajournal