Harlem Death Tolls Rises to 7

Harlem Death Tolls Rises to 7

An explosion in Harlem early Wednesday morning leveled two buildings, and has left at least seven people dead. The explosion at 116th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem came about 15 minutes after a call to Consolidated Edison about a gas leak. There were 15 apartments between the two buildings, as well as a church and a piano store. The explosion knocked out windows in nearby buildings, and rubble fell in the surrounding streets, trapping people in their cars and apartments, as well as delaying Metro-North trains in the area. "This is a tragedy of the worst kind," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. According to the mayor, 66 people including 14 families with children, are receiving temporary shelter as a result.