Sinkhole slows search in East Harlem

[hrmjustin]

Gloria Pazmino

The search for victims of two East Harlem buildings that collapsed on Wednesday has been slowed because a sinkhole has opened in front of the buildings, a spokesperson for Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement tonight.

The sinkhole developed after a water-main break "likely caused by the explosion" this morning, which left three people dead and 27 injured.

"Heavy equipment is required to move additional debris and cannot be brought to the scene until the sinkhole is mitigated. The process could significantly delay rescue and victims search operations," according to the statement.

Nine residents of the two Park Avenue buildings are still missing, fire marshalls and the NYPD said.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/03/8541899/sinkhole-slows-search-east-harlem