A residential building in Brooklyn collapsed following a gas explosion on Saturday afternoon, the New York City Fire Department reported. At least one person has been confirmed dead, while three others were injured.
The blast occurred in a three-storey building on 42nd Street and 13th Avenue in Borough Park at about 1:00pm, according to the city's Office of Emergency Management.
One person was pronounced dead shortly after the explosion, NBC News reported citing the FDNY. The three other victims were taken to area hospitals with non life-threatening injuries.
More than 100 firefighters have been deployed to the explosion site. New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) said that it expects traffic delays and heavy smoke, calling for people to avoid the area and close their windows.
The causes of the blast remain unclear.