UPDATE 1: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says early indications are that explosion was an intentional attack.
UPDATE 2: Investigators preliminary belief is Manhattan Explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
There has been an explosion in Manhattan New York. Multiple people are reported to be injured – 29 according to the New York Fire Department (FDNY). None of the injuries appear life threatening.
Gas has reportedly been ruled out as the cause of the explosion.
The explosion took place in the Chelsea neighbourhood, and reportedly came from a dumpster.
FDNY Tweet on the Manhattan Explosion:
25 injuries to civilians confirmed at 133 W 23 St #Chelsea. None appear to be life-threatening at this time
— FDNY (@FDNY) September 18, 2016
Emergency vehicles streamed towards the site of the explosion which reportedly happened outside the Association For The Blind, near 133, 23rd Street in Chelsea.
The FBI and Homeland Security are reportedly at the scene, as is the Bomb Squad.
FBI on scene #manhattan #explosion #chelsea pic.twitter.com/jndHkXOBpB
— Avidor.Law (@JonAvidor) September 18, 2016
There are also fears that there is another device, but that has not been confirmed.
Terrorism has neither been confirmed, or ruled out as the cause of the blast.
The investigation is ongoing.
