Harlem building blast: From the scene

Three people are dead and at least 24 others are injured after a huge explosion collapsed two East Harlem buildings Wednesday morning where residents complained of smelling gas for weeks, witnesses and authorities said.

Nine people are still missing and the death toll could rise, police sources said.

Heavy smoke pours from the debris as the FDNY battles a huge blaze following an explosion and building collapse in East Harlem.Getty Images

The two buildings affected are a piano shop with apartments above and a building that houses a church, both located at 116th Street and Park Avenue.

The MTA has stopped Metro-North trains from entering and leaving Grand Central Terminal.