New York: A powerful explosion struck Manhattan on Friday morning, triggering a large-scale fire and sending thick smoke billowing across the neighborhood. According to local reports, the blast occurred around 10 a.m. near East 95th Street and 2nd Avenue. The force of the explosion shook nearby buildings, shattered windows, and engulfed several vehicles in flames, prompting residents to evacuate their homes in panic.
🛑 BREAKING: Explosion rocks New York City’s Upper East Side 💥 — 100 firefighters & first responders on scene. Cause still unknown. 🚒❓ pic.twitter.com/pQLHpOJ7GA
— Jabline (@Jabline_) August 15, 2025
Firefighters and police responded immediately, using water sprays and foam to bring the blaze under control within approximately an hour. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with authorities suspecting a possible gas leak. The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, with roads in the area blocked for hours as vehicles were diverted. Investigators are collecting evidence from the debris and reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to determine the cause. Residents and commuters expressed alarm, describing the explosion as unprecedented in scale and intensity.