Explosion Injures 20 at NYC Building

[Ghost in the Machine]

Explosion Injures 20 at NYC Building
Published: 10/7/07, 5:47 AM EDT
By ADAM GOLDMAN

NEW YORK (AP) - An apparent gas leak caused a Manhattan apartment building to explode, injuring 20 people, four of them children who were critically burned, officials said.

The explosion blew out some of the 20-unit building's walls just after 4 p.m. in upper Manhattan's Harlem neighborhood, witnesses said. Residents said they heard the explosion blocks away, then screams.

"It does appear to be a gas leak explosion that then causes a flash fire," said Fire Commission Nicholas Scoppetta.

The injured included five people with serious burns, including the children, officials said. The others injured were in stable condition, fire officials said.

A firefighter was hurt by falling debris when he entered the first floor of the five-story building, Scoppetta said.

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***I hope all of our NYC DUers are safe and sound....***