At least six killed, several missing after NY blastMarch 13, 2014 - 14:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least six people have died and several are missing after a gas leak sparked an explosion which leveled two buildings in New York City, according to BBC News. Scores of others were injured in the incident, which sent smoke billowing into the city sky. Rescue crews began searching the debris on Wednesday evening for victims after the fire was finally put out. Train services to and from Grand Central Terminal have been restored after a complete halt earlier. As the search-and-rescue operation continued under floodlights on Wednesday, March 12 night, the emergency services confirmed that the death toll had risen first to four, then to five and to six, with several people still missing. Earlier, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news conference from the scene that the gas leak had been reported to the utility company 15 minutes before the blast on Wednesday morning. Heavy equipment, including a bulldozer, helped clear the remnants of two multi-storey buildings. Thermal imaging cameras were brought in to identify bodies or pockets of fire inside the mountain of debris. The New York fire department said 22 people had been hurt, but a tally of local hospitals by ABC News found that 64 had been admitted with injuries as a result of the incident. That figure included seven children, one of whom was in a critical condition. Streets and pavements around the site were littered with broken glass from shattered windows. The blast scattered debris across nearby rooftops, destroying adjoining five-storey buildings in a largely Latino working-class neighborhood. Photo: AP Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |