0:57
- ABC News
- September 18, 2016
NYC Explosion an 'Intentional Act,' Mayor Says
There were no reported fatalities, officials say.
0:57
A video posted by Isabel Clavichordial (@isabelrita) on Sep 17, 2016 at 9:07pm PDT
Bomb-sniffing dogs deployed in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood after reported explosion. Follow @ABC for latest. pic.twitter.com/fH6uF0hGqD
— Paul Blake (@PaulNBlake) September 18, 2016
The explosion on 23rd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues was seen by police officers driving by about 8:30 p.m., according to police. The fire department heard the explosion and responded immediately.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/abc_chelsea_map_dc_160918_4x3t_384.jpg\")
NYPD Command Post arrives on scene in Chelsea in NYC. Follow @ABC for more. pic.twitter.com/wfHPwv5hdV
— Paul Blake (@PaulNBlake) September 18, 2016
Officials said the NYPD has video it is reviewing and De Blasio urged any witnesses or people who may have information to come forward.
Two law enforcement sources said the explosion occurred in a dumpster, and the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau tweeted a photo of a mangled dumpster after saying they were responding to the explosion.
#Update re: Explosion (photo) pic.twitter.com/AtqllF3JEZ
— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) September 18, 2016
The NYPD Bomb Squad was searching the area and checking garbage cans for any other possible explosive devices.
The FBI and Homeland Security officials, along with the ATF arson and explosive task force were also at the scene.
Surveillance video recovered from West 23rd Street shows the explosion and contains other evidence that indicates to investigators the original object was intentionally left next to the construction trash container, described as 4 ft. by 4 ft. by 3 ft. in size.
In one video obtained by police, a man is seen crossing the street in the vicinity of where the original object was left. The trash container was blown clear into the street by the force of the blast.
The object left behind could be a large tool box, left next to one of the several commercial trash containers in front of a building that has been under construction. Investigators are trying to determine if there is a connection to this seemingly \"random construction site.\"
The explosion even startled residents who were a few blocks away. Chelsea resident Michelle Leifer was walking her dog in Madison Square Park when she heard a loud boom and rumbling. \"I heard a loud boom and felt rumbling,\" she tells ABC News. \"I wasn't sure if it was an explosion or if a large truck had gone by. One of the park's maintenance men came in and said he got an alert on his phone that there was an explosion on 23rd and 6th. As I was leaving the park, I saw a smoke cloud hovering in that area. Then police cars and firetrucks started streaming in.\"
Meanwhile, a \"possible secondary device\" was located a few blocks away on 27th Street, between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue, the NYPD Special Operations Division said around 11 p.m. The device, a pressure cooker, was removed by authorities. The device was in a white plastic bag with tape, wiring and a cell phone or other electronic device.
The explosion occurred one day after O'Neill was sworn as the new police commissioner following Bill Bratton's retirement.
Multiple ambulances leaving scene of reported explosion in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood. Follow @ABC for latest. pic.twitter.com/IxMHTqJz28
— Paul Blake (@PaulNBlake) 18 de septiembre de 2016
The mayor said the Chelsea explosion has no apparent connection to the explosive device that detonated in Seaside Park, New Jersey, Saturday morning. Nobody was injured in the New Jersey incident, which occurred at a time when a 5k run to benefit U.S. Marines and sailors was scheduled, but the race was delayed because so many runners had signed up.
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