An explosion that injured at least 29 people in New York City late Saturday appeared to be “intentional,” Mayor Bill de Blasio announced, as sources told Fox News an apparent explosive device — a pressure cooker — was found four blocks away.
Emergency personnel raced to the scene of the explosion in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan on Saturday night.
The Fire Department says the blast was reported shortly before 9 p.m. at 135 West 23rd Street.
As per the FDNY, there are a total of 26 patients, all with minor injuries. There are no reported fatalities at this time.
As a precaution, the NYPD Bomb Squad is searching the immediate area for any secondary devices.
Vehicular and pedestrian traffic has been restricted in the vicinity of West 23rd Street and 7th Avenue.
The FBI and New York Police Department have not ruled out terrorism as a possible factor but say it’s too early to determine the exact cause, law enforcement sources told Fox News. Police did not say whether they had any potential suspects.
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.
Numerous emergency vehicles are in the area, which is a major thoroughfare with many restaurants.
The reports of a possible blast comes hours after a pipe bomb exploded in Seaside Park, New Jersey, shortly before thousands of runners participated in a charity 5K race to benefit Marines and sailors.
NYPD Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill delivered the following statement:
At around 8:30 P.M. this evening, officers from the 10th Precinct were on routine patrol, driving westbound on 23rd Street, when they witnessed a large explosion in front of 131 West 23rd Street. The officers immediately called for additional units and ambulances.
The NYPD Bomb Squad and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force were requested to respond. As of this time, the exact cause of this explosion has not been determined. Investigation into this incident is active at this time and an extensive search is being conducted. The area around the explosion site is being treated as a crime scene.
As of this time, there is no evidence to indicate that this explosion is a result of any natural gas cause. Again, the exact nature and cause of this explosion has not yet been determined. As of the most recent information, there have been 27 injuries reported. One of these injuries may be considered serious. The Fire Department is currently assessing the extent of any possible structural damage resulting from this explosion.
As further information is developed, we will provide updates. At this point, anyone with potential information about the incident is asked to call NYPD CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Moments after the blast on #23rd street #nyc #blast pic.twitter.com/lwbQvR5bDE
— Avidor.Law (@JonAvidor) September 18, 2016
FBI on scene #manhattan #explosion #chelsea pic.twitter.com/jndHkXOBpB
— Avidor.Law (@JonAvidor) September 18, 2016
(Charles Gross – YWN)
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9 Responses
E & F subway lines very detrimentally affected by this.
Its a religion of peace nothing to see here move along
To No 2
What is the linkage to Islam? The police commissioner, fire department and FBI have said there is no link to any terrorism. Do you have some special information?? If so, perhaps you should call the special 1-800-500-7776 hotline they just gave out for reporting terrorist threats
Obama,and his useful idiot jeh Johnson, have changed the culture of our society so that episodes like this, and the knife wielding jihadi in a mall, are just background noise. we are supposed to just live the Obama dream of terrorism not being an “existential threat to the USA” while he continues to import Muslim so-called refugees from Syria and Iraq.
wake up people. Obama’s fundamental transformation has already happened. two days after constitution day and we’ve already lost it.
Let’s not jump to conclusions or anything, but…
The Boston bombings were conducted by …. um, what was that whole refugee thing, again?
@gadolhadorah – From where, pray tell, did you conclude that it has been determined there is no link? The article says, “The FBI and New York Police Department have NOT ruled out terrorism as a possible factor but say it’s too early to determine the exact cause . . .”
The piece continues and states, ” . . . As of this time, there is no evidence to indicate that this explosion is a result of any natural gas cause. . .”
@gadolhatorah I thought ur just a radical democrat not i see ur sympathetic to islam??! OL!
Gadolhadorah, the governments and “official” media count on people like you to be dumb and obedient citizens. Do you also still believe “official” Government line that Benghazi happened because of YouTube video? May be you believe that OJ Simpson still looking for “the real killers” too?
You represent typical perfect Democrat supporter. Hitlary needs people like you.
YWN,Please stop posting this idiot #3 TIPESHHADORAHS posts , as she belongs in an insane institution. Your loyal followers deserve better than this