At least six dead following New York City explosion that levelled two buildings

The city's mayor stated that the fatal blast was 'a tragedy of the worst kind'

By Dave Lancaster |

12:04 13 March 2014

At least six people have been confirmed dead following a massive explosion that brought two New York City buildings down to the ground.

Of the gas leak that sparked a powerful blast in East Harlem, New York City's Mayor Bill de Blasio said: "This is a tragedy of the worst kind"

Since the incident on Wednesday morning claimed half a dozen New Yorkers, several more remain missing as fire and rescue crews search the area.

The blast destroyed two buildings, smashed hundreds of nearby windows and halted train services from Grand Central.

As the gas fire raged on Wednesday, nearly 200 firefighters were dispatched to help. Their actions continued well into the night with floodlights illuminating the carnage.

It has been confirmed that the gas leak in the largely Latino working-class area was reported to the utility company some 15 minutes before the blast.

Given New York's history of building terrorist attacks, the FBI promptly arrived at the scene but it became evident that this a gas explosion rather than a terrorist attack. It is unclear at this stage if the gas leak was accidental or intentional.

Over 60 people were admitted to hospital as a result of the blast. One child remains in critical condition.