As many as 30 people were hurt in the partial collapse of an East Village building Thursday afternoon, law-enforcement sources told The Post. Two civilians were rushed to the New York Hospital with serious burns, while another civilian who had been knocked unconscious was taken to Bellevue Hospital.
In a press conference Thursday evening, Mayor Bill de Blasio said there were no fatalities. He reminded New Yorkers to call 911 immediately upon smelling gas.
The destruction near the corner of Second Avenue and East Seventh Street was reported shortly before 3:30 p.m. A diner who was eating at the Sushi Park restaurant at 121 Second Ave. told cops he heard an explosion inside the kitchen there.
Robert Shapiro, who ran over from a nearby cafe, said, “I’ve never seen such an aggressive fire — it was like they were pouring gas on it.”
The FDNY ultimately declared the scene at the mixed-occupancy building at 125 Second Ave. a seven-alarm emergency.
Those looking for loved ones following the incident are urged to call 311.