(VOVworld) – A massive explosion leveled two East Harlem apartment buildings in New York on Wednesday, killing at least 2 people and injuring 24.

Before and after at the collapsed buildings (Photo: Reuters)

The explosion that occurred at 9:30 a.m. local time was believed to be due to leaking gas. A resident of the building had reported a gas leak several minutes before the incident. The explosion closed a train route. Hundreds of police officers and fire fighters were deployed to blockade the area and help the victims. An investigation is being conducted.