Physinews Reports: An explosive device has been "intentionally"
detonated in Manhattan causing multiple
injuries, according to New York authorities.
At least 29 people were injured in the blast, in
the Chelsea neighbourhood of New York, with
several people seen being taken away from
the scene in ambulances.
A potential second device was found near the
site of the first explosion, the NYPD said on
Twitter.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said
authorities believe it was an "intentional act",
but added there was no evidence it was
terrorism-related.
He said there was no credible or specific
threat to New York City.
A device, thought to be a pressure cooker,
was found near the site of the blast, CNN
reported.
According to a Reuters witness, a "loud
explosion" occurred on 23rd Street, a major
east-west thoroughfare in the Chelsea
neighbourhood, just before 9pm.
The New York Fire Department said
29 people were wounded in the blast, with
one person in a serious condition.
None of them are thought to be life
threatening.
Hundreds of people were seen fleeing down
the block, as police cordoned off the area, the
witness said.
Initial investigations suggested the explosion
occurred inside a dumpster or a construction
toolbox, with authorities examining whether it
was accidentally caused by construction
explosives, Reuters reported.
City Councilman Corey Johnson, who
represents the area, told cable news station
New York 1 that FBI and federal Homeland
Security officials were on the scene, in
addition to New York City police.
Police have issued a bulletin advising drivers
in the area that they should "expect
extensive traffic delays and emergency
personnel in the area of 23rd Street and 7th
Avenue" due to police activity. They have
asked the public to avoid the area.
The explosion comes hours after a pipe
bomb blast in Seaside Park, New Jersey,
shortly before thousands of runners took part
in a 5km charity race.
detonated in Manhattan causing multiple
injuries, according to New York authorities.
At least 29 people were injured in the blast, in
the Chelsea neighbourhood of New York, with
several people seen being taken away from
the scene in ambulances.
A potential second device was found near the
site of the first explosion, the NYPD said on
Twitter.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said
authorities believe it was an "intentional act",
but added there was no evidence it was
terrorism-related.
He said there was no credible or specific
threat to New York City.
A device, thought to be a pressure cooker,
was found near the site of the blast, CNN
reported.
According to a Reuters witness, a "loud
explosion" occurred on 23rd Street, a major
east-west thoroughfare in the Chelsea
neighbourhood, just before 9pm.
The New York Fire Department said
29 people were wounded in the blast, with
one person in a serious condition.
None of them are thought to be life
threatening.
Hundreds of people were seen fleeing down
the block, as police cordoned off the area, the
witness said.
Initial investigations suggested the explosion
occurred inside a dumpster or a construction
toolbox, with authorities examining whether it
was accidentally caused by construction
explosives, Reuters reported.
City Councilman Corey Johnson, who
represents the area, told cable news station
New York 1 that FBI and federal Homeland
Security officials were on the scene, in
addition to New York City police.
Police have issued a bulletin advising drivers
in the area that they should "expect
extensive traffic delays and emergency
personnel in the area of 23rd Street and 7th
Avenue" due to police activity. They have
asked the public to avoid the area.
The explosion comes hours after a pipe
bomb blast in Seaside Park, New Jersey,
shortly before thousands of runners took part
in a 5km charity race.
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