New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters that the collapse of an East Harlem building that killed two women and injured 18 on Wednesday was "a tragedy of the worst kind."
"Today at approximately 9:30 am, there was a major explosion that destroyed two buildings. The explosion was based on a gas leak," said de Blasio.
He said there are 250 firefighters still trying to contain the fire caused by the explosion.
De Blasio stated that there are still a number of people missing and a thorough search through the rubble will be conducted once the fire is out.
He added that preliminary reports indicate the warning of a gas leak came just 15 minutes before the explosion.
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