"NEW YORK - A four-story building in midtown Manhattan collapsed and burned Monday morning after what witnesses said was a thunderous explosion that rocked the neighborhood.
New York Fire Department Chief Sal Cassano said one person had been located under the rubble and was given oxygen while crews work to dig him out.
The person is alert and talking to fire authorities, Cassano told WNBC-TV.
Fire officials suspected a natural gas leak caused the explosion and fire. Shortly before the blast, a utility crew had been in the building next door responding to a report of a natural gas smell.
The fire department described the collapse as a "major incident," declaring it a four-alarm fire and sending 170 firefighters to the scene.
Lt. Eugene Whyte said the building included two doctor's offices, and one of the doctors has been accounted for."
The report continues that natural gas is suspected as it was smelled by witnesses prior to the explosion.
More to come if warranted.
UPDATE: Apparently a possible suicide attempt.
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