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Death Toll Hits Seven in East Harlem Explosion


March 13, 2014 | Andy Cush

The explosion that rocked East Harlem yesterday, collapsing two buildings, has killed seven people. At least five people are still missing, and 60 are injured. “Those who are missing could well be safe in another location,” said Mayor de Blasio. “There’s a tremendous amount of anxiety, but suffice it to say that every effort is being expended to locate each and every one of these individuals.”

A gas leak appears to have caused the blast, and according to Ruben Borrero, a resident, the stench had been “unbearable” in the preceding days. Borrero also alleges city officials were brought in to check out the scent weeks ago.

(Photo: @nycmayorsoffice)