New York building collapses after blast and fire

An explosion led to a fire and collapse at a three-storey building on Manhattan’s East Side in New York today.

It was not immediately clear whether people were trapped inside. Thick, black smoke rose high above the building, located on 62nd Street between Park and Madison avenues.

Ambulances, rescue units as well as police and fire department officials responded just before 9am (2pm Irish time).