Construction workers inside a sushi restaurant at 121 Second Ave. in New York's East Village allegedly accidentally hit a gas line which caused an explosion that injured 25 people, created a massive fire and caused the collapse of three buildings. Four civilians were critically injured and seven have minor to non-life threatening injuries.
"The initial impact appears to have been caused by plumbing and gas work that was occurring inside 121 Second Avenue," said Mayor de Blasio at a news conference.
According to Con Ed, the restaurant was swapping one gas meter for multiple gas meters as part of a renovation, but the work had failed inspection. Inspectors were at the site evaluating the work prior to the explosion and gave instructions on what changes needed to be made.
No reports of a gas leak had been reported prior to the explosion.