Harlem Explosion: Death Toll Rises To 7; Mayor Bill De Blasio Surveys Scene
The explosion in an apartment building in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City has left at least seven individuals dead, according to the latest report.
Harlem Apartment Explosion
At 7:12 a.m. Thursday morning, search teams discovered the body of an adult male, an NYPD spokesperson told the New York Daily News. As of yet, the man has not been identified.
In addition to the unidentified man, authorities have uncovered the bodies of two other men and four women. Of the six, three have been identified – Griselde Camacho, 44, Carmen Tanco, 67, and Rosaura Hernandez-Barrios, 21.
Dozens of people were injured in the building explosion. Most of the injured that were treated had minor wounds, but a few are listed in critical condition.
Five people who may have been inside or near the ill-fated apartment building at the time of the incident have not been located.
The blast occurred at the East 116th St. and Park Ave building at roughly 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Con Edison had heard from tenants of the building that there was a noticeable gas odor just 18 minutes before the explosion. Some individuals have claimed complaints were submitted about the odor in the past.
Firefighters Search For Survivors, Deceased
Responding to the explosion were 250 firefighters, who fought the flames amidst the rubble. Once the scene was contained, authorities sent in cadaver dogs, as firefighters continued to search for survivors through to Thursday morning.
Mayor Bill de Blasio visited the first responders Thursday morning, offering words of praise for the work they've done and continued to do on the scene.
“I can only imagine knowing that at any moment you might find a body, how difficult that is,” de Blasio said, according to The News. “I admire the work you guys do. I really do. It's not easy. Thank God you do."
The search will continue into Thursday afternoon.
– Chelsea Regan
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