New York City explosion collapses buildings

Firefighters from the FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse at 1646 Park Ave in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, March 12, 2014.

Reports of an explosion were heard before the collapse of two multiple-dwelling buildings that left at least seven dead and many injured.

Harlem

Firefighters respond to a fire on 116th Street in Harlem after a building exploded in huge flames and billowing black smoke, leading to the collapse of at least one building and several injuries, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Rescue workers remove an injured person on a stretcher after an explosion and building collapse in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

A Google Maps view of the building that has collapsed on Park Ave. in Manhattan's East Harlem neighborhood.

Harlem

Two buildings have collapsed after an explosion Wednesday morning in East Harlem.

It happened around 9 a.m. at a building on Park Avenue between 114th and 117th streets, the FDNY said. One of the buildings that collapsed had a piano repair shop with apartments above. The second building housed a church.

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Emergency personnel respond to the scene of an explosion and building collapse in East Harlem.

Harlem

Two buildings have collapsed after an explosion Wednesday morning in East Harlem.

Harlem

Two buildings have collapsed after an explosion Wednesday morning in East Harlem.

Harlem

Two buildings have collapsed after an explosion Wednesday morning in East Harlem.

Harlem

Two buildings have collapsed after an explosion Wednesday morning in East Harlem.

Harlem

Emergency personnel respond to the scene of an explosion and building collapse in East Harlem.

Harlem

Heavy smoke pours from the debris the FDNY responds to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in Harlem, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Rescue workers remove an injured person on a stretcher following a building explosion and collapse in East Harlem, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

A ladder truck pours water as the FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters from FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters from the FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters from the FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters from the FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in Harlem, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters from the FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters from the FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in Harlem, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters FDNY respond to a 5-alarm fire and building collapse in Harlem, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

FDNY firefighters respond at the scene of an explosion and building collapse in Harlem, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters respond to a fire on 116th Street in Harlem after a building exploded in huge flames and billowing black smoke, leading to the collapse of at least one building and several injuries, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Smoke rises from the site of an explosion and building collapse near Park Avenue and 116th Street in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters battle a fire after a building collapse in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters respond to a fire on 116th Street in Harlem after a building exploded in huge flames and billowing black smoke, leading to the collapse of at least one building and several injuries, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters respond to a fire on 116th Street in Harlem after a building exploded in huge flames and billowing black smoke, leading to the collapse of at least one building and several injuries, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters respond to a fire on 116th Street in Harlem after a building exploded in huge flames and billowing black smoke, leading to the collapse of at least one building and several injuries, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

People run after an explosion and building collapse in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Alecia Thomas, left, is comforted by her friend, Shivon Dollar, after she lost her home following an explosion that leveled two apartment buildings in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, March 12, 2014.

Harlem

Firefighters respond to an explosion that leveled two apartment buildings in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, March 12, 2014