New York Gas Explosion Leaves Scores Injured

At least three people were critically injured while 12 others suffered minor injuries during the incident.

According to New York Mayor de Blasco, preliminary evidence indicates it was a gas-related explosion.

The Mayor said gas and plumbing repair work had been underway in one of the buildings when Con Edison utility inspectors visited the scene about an hour before the explosion and found the work did not pass inspection.

"The blast caused two buildings to collapse, including the one where the explosion occurred," he said.

According to witnesses, several bloodied men emerged from a sushi restaurant where the explosion occured.

"One of them fell to the pavement," said one if the witnesses.

By Musalia Wycliffe