An explosion that is being treated by authorities as “an intentional act” rocked a busy Manhattan neighbourhood injuring 29 people, many of whom were struck by shattered glass and flying debris from Saturday’s blast.
A police sweep of the area led to a second device a few blocks from the explosion, which was determined to be a pressure cooker with wiring and a mobile phone attached, all inside a plastic bag, a law-enforcement official said. Police were investigating if the device was active or inert.
Officials found no preliminary evidence linking the blast to terrorism, but they were zeroing in on a large toolbox that was left near a commercial trash container in front of a building that has been under construction.
All of those injured were expected to survive, officials said. Most of the injuries were the result of flying debris and glass. One person suffered a serious injury that was described as a puncture wound, reported The Wall Street Journal.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at 23rd Street and Sixth Avenue in Chelsea neighbourhood and was caught on surveillance video, authorities said. The second device was found on West 27th Street soon after the explosion.
“INTENTIONAL ACT”
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told journalists that “early indications say this was an intentional act” but it was too early to say what caused the explosion. There was also “no evidence at this point of a terror connection” but there is a continuing investigation, he said.
“Let me be clear, whatever the cause, whatever the intention here, New Yorkers will not be intimidated,” affirmed de Blasio. “They’re not going to let anyone change who we are and how we go about our lives.”
New York Police Commissioner James O’Neill said it appeared the explosion took place outside rather than inside a building.
“We do have video we see the explosion and we are going to use this to help us in our investigation,” outlined O’Neill.
“Right now, it appears that the explosion took place outside on the street.”
Officials said the NYPD was in the early stages of the investigation and were searching for witnesses and video.
OBAMA, CLINTON, TRUMP REACT
US President Barack Obama was informed of the explosion, according to a White House official.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was also briefed and is monitoring the situation, according to a statement from an aide.
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, told a rally in Colorado Springs, that a “bomb” had exploded in New York, about 45 minutes after the explosion, before authorities had confirmed any details on the nature of the blast.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Boss Tweed License: CC-BY-SA
