Major explosion causes building to collapse in East Village

An explosion blasted through an East Village building at 121 2nd Avenue (which housed Pommes Frites and Sushi Park) just under two hours ago, causing it to collapse and sending towering flames through the neighboring buildings. According to the Associated Press, at least 12 people have been hurt, with at least three in critical condition. CBS is reporting the fire was most likely caused by a gas explosion. The surrounding streets have been closed, and Con Edison is shutting down gas to the area. Smoke is filling the city as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze. We'll keep you posted as more develops. 

Building fire & partial collapse have 2nd Ave & surround closed. Massive response from multiple agencies @FDNY #nypd pic.twitter.com/hrgTqVglUk

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) March 26, 2015

Watch early #FDNY units operating at 123&121 2nd Avenue in the East Village http://t.co/8o7qlaVldw

— FDNY (@FDNY) March 26, 2015

Now #FDNY operating on-scene at 123 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. pic.twitter.com/bg8vx1TwLX

— FDNY (@FDNY) March 26, 2015

https://t.co/0Zpr6AKzrN

— UFA (@UFANYC) March 26, 2015

 

A photo posted by sarah cohen (@cakenpop) on Mar 26, 2015 at 1:41pm PDT

 

A photo posted by Adrian N. Ruiz (@chocolatecomrade) on Mar 26, 2015 at 1:38pm PDT

 

Like night and day. #FDNY tower ladders at the scene of collapse #EastVillage #NYC #breakingnews #onassignment @nypost

A photo posted by Chad Rachman (@chadrock) on Mar 26, 2015 at 2:18pm PDT

 

I just went out for coffee man / #eastvillage

A photo posted by paravyan (@openthy) on Mar 26, 2015 at 2:20pm PDT