An explosion ripped through the East Village Building in New York City, sparked a massive fire, and caused three buildings to collapse.  At least 19 people were injured - four critically.

The inferno began at around 3:00 p.m. Thursday, when workers reportedly hit a gas line inside a sushi restaurant at the ground floor of the building located at 121 Second Avenue.   The explosion triggered a fireball and engulfed neighboring buildings.  Huge flames were seen shooting out from the structure and thick white smoke billowing into spaces between buildings.  The fire was so big it can be seen from at least 20 blocks north.  Due to extreme heat, three buildings - 121, 123 and 119 collapsed. 

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"The initial impact appears to have been caused by plumbing and gas work that was occurring inside 121 Second Avenue," said New York City Mayor de Blasio, as he gave updates on the blast. 

Injured people were seen coming out of the building following the blast.  Others were seen laying on the ground unconscious.

Of those injured, 14 were civilians and five people were emergency responders.  Those critically injured suffered respiratory burn caused by inhalation of hot gas or burning particles.  This resulted in damage of the tissues in the respiratory system.

Witnesses said they heard a loud explosion like that of a bomb, that "shook everything."

"When I went outside, I saw people running and broken glass everywhere," said neighbor, David Hollands. 

Hollands said some 20 firetrucks arrived within two minutes following the blast.  Around 200 firefighters and 45 units of trucks rushed to the scene.

De Blasio said police did not receive any calls prior to the explosion indicating that there was a gas leak. But inspectors from the energy company Consolidated Edison who were at the site prior to the blast said the restaurant plumbers were working to renovate the unit, including changing its single gas meter system to multiple gas meter system.  The multiple gas system set up failed Con Ed inspection, and workers were instructed to make some adjustments. Hours later, the explosion occurred. 

Con Ed inspectors said gas service was supposed to be cut off during restaurant renovation.  Authorities are now trying to identify what triggered the explosion.  The restaurant contractors have not been identified. 

Meanwhile, the Red Cross had set up a center for affected neighbors from collapsed buildings.

TagsEast Village, Explosion, New York City