Large explosion, possible building collapse NYC

[BBossman]

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/12/us/manhattan-building-explosion/index.html

"A worker at a nearby flea market said, "Two building have collapsed. I hope there is no in there. It's just rubble."

[BBossman]

So far they're leaning towards gas leak. The building was undergoing renovation.

[_Stormin_]

Gas leak would do it. My first question would be why they hadn't shut off the gas during renovations, but I guess they may have only been renovating a portion of a building.

[Belmont31R]

People were smelling gas last night.

[ST911]

Thread cleaned up.

[Belmont31R]

2 confirmed dead. Residents reported gas smell last night.

[Grand58742]

de Blasio said the gas leak was reported to ConEd about 15 minutes prior to the explosion.

[Moose-Knuckle]

NYC banned standard capacity mags, attempted to ban large sodas, and cheap cigars . . . BAN GAS NOW. Do it for the children.

[Belmont31R]

3rd person has died.

[Belmont31R]

NYC fire department confirms 4th person dead in Harlem gas explosion.

[Belmont31R]

MORE: Eighth body pulled from rubble of Harlem explosion site; workers about halfway through rubble: http://t.co/Mrt9NlNvM6