An explosion Saturday night in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood that left 29 people injured was described by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio as an intentional act.
.@BilldeBlasio: “We believe it was intentional. A full investigation is underway.” #Manhattan #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/51jdwfjzxD
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 18, 2016
“We believe it was intentional. A full investigation is underway,” Mayor de Blasio said. He added that “there is no evidence at this point of a terror connection.”
“State officials are coordinating our response with federal and New York City authorities, and full state resources have been made available for this investigation,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “We are closely monitoring the situation and urge New Yorkers to, as always, remain calm and vigilant.”
NYPD was investigating a second possible explosive device late Saturday evening.
A possible secondary device has been located @ 27th Street, 6th – 7th Avenues. #NYPD nvestigations are ongoing. Avoid the area @NYPD13Pct
— NYPD Special Ops (@NYPDSpecialops) September 18, 2016
According to White House pool reports, President Obama has been briefed on the explosion.
“The president has been apprised of the explosion in New York City, the cause of which remains under investigation. The president will be updated as additional information becomes available,” a White House official stated.
The explosion took place the same day that a pipe bomb went off in New Jersey before a 5k charity race. There is nothing at this time to indicate that the two explosions are related.
The explosive device in NYC was reportedly placed into a dumpster. A pregnant woman is reportedly among the injured.
Authorities have ruled out gas as the cause of the explosion, several news outlets have reported.
Law enforcement source: preliminary signs suggest NYC explosion caused by improvised explosive device. See NA-73SA.
— CNN Newsource (@CNNNewsource) September 18, 2016
None of those injured in the explosion appear to have suffered life-threatening injuries, FDNY stated on Twitter.
NYPD spokesman J. Peter Donald said the explosion happened at approximately 8:30 PM between 6th and 6th avenues.
Explosion happened at roughly 8:30pm on 23rd street between 6th and 7th avenues. Several injured transported to area hospitals.
— J. Peter Donald (@JPeterDonald) September 18, 2016
Just kicked out of the diner due to explosion next door #Chelsea #23rdstreet #nyc pic.twitter.com/PtnfCT0YJD
— Brian R (@trainsflyby) September 18, 2016
Over in New Jersey, a pipe bomb inside a trash can exploded Saturday morning in a town on the route where thousands of runners were preparing to run a 5K Marine Corps charity race. (RELATED: Pipe Bomb Interrupts Marine Charity Race In New Jersey)
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Follow Hasson on Twitter @PeterJHasson