A large fire, reportedly sparked by a gas buildup, erupted in a seven-story apartment building on Manhattan's Upper East Side this morning. The incident, which witnesses described as sounding like an explosion, has drawn a massive emergency response.
Firefighters and EMS personnel arrived at the scene on East 95th Street, between First and Second Avenues, shortly after 10 a.m. The blaze, which reached a third alarm, sent thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, visible for miles and marring the city's iconic skyline.
According to preliminary reports from ABC 7, the fire was caused by a gas buildup in the building's basement. The building's superintendent was in the basement at the time and is being treated for a minor injury. There have been no other reports of injuries at this time.
More than 100 firefighters are on the scene, working to secure the area and extinguish the intense flames, which were seen on the building's rooftop. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Kaz Daughtry, has urged the public to avoid the area.
This is a developing story, and officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident.
