The New York fire department says nine people, including two firefighters, have been taken to a hospital following a partial building collapse and fire in New York City’s Chinatown.
At least three of victims are in serious condition. The firefighters’ injuries are minor. Initial searches of the building for other people have been completed, and a second round of searches has begun.
CBS New York says initial reports suggest there may have been a gas explosion on the first floor of the building.
The incident took place at 17 Pike Street near East Broadway.
Two victims were rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital’s burn center in critical condition and four others were sent to Bellevue and Beth Israel Hospitals in serious condition, according to the FDNY.
The New York Fire Department got the call around 12:45 p.m. Thursday. The fire was under control shortly after 1:30 p.m.
