At least 29 people have been injured in an explosion outside a home for the blind in New York.
New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio said authorities believe the explosion was an “intentional act” but is not linked to terrorism.
The explosion occurred in a busy neighbourhood at about 8.30pm New York time on Saturday, leaving one person seriously hurt.
The rest of the victims are believed to have suffered minor injuries.
Mayor de Blasio said: “Tonight, New York City experienced a very bad incident.
“We have no credible and specific threat at this moment.”
He said the blast was “an intentional act” but tried to calm any fears among nervous New Yorkers, saying there was no evidence of a link to terrorism.
A law enforcement official said the it appears to have come from a construction toolbox in front of a building. New York officials said the incident was not due to a gas leak, as some initial reports had suggested.
Officials also confirmed a second device being found in the Chelsea section of Manhattan.
The device was found four blocks from the scene. It appeared to be a pressure cooker attached to wiring and a mobile phone, according to officials. It was found inside a plastic bag on West 27th Street.
Witnesses say the explosion blew out the windows of businesses and scattered debris in the area.
Several people were taken to hospital with injuries.
One of those hurt suffered a puncture wound that was considered serious. Other injuries were described as scrapes and bruises.
Police spokesman J Peter Donald warned residents near the second site that officials are investigating, saying. He said, “As a precautionary measure, we are asking residents who live on West 27th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Manhattan to stay away from windows facing 27th Street until we clear the suspicious.”
A number of New York City subway routes were also affected by the explosion.
via: INFORMATION NIGERIA
No comments
Post a Comment