In this photo provided by the NYPD Special Ops, smoke rises from the scene of a large fire and a partial building collapse in the East Village neighborhood of New York on Thursday, March 26. The seven-alarm fire in Manhattan's East Village drew firefighters from across the city. The blast appeared to be a "gas-related explosion," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
In this photo provided by the NYPD Special Ops, smoke rises from the scene of a large fire and a partial building collapse in the East Village neighborhood of New York on Thursday, March 26. The seven-alarm fire in Manhattan's East Village drew firefighters from across the city. The blast appeared to be a "gas-related explosion," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
NYPD Special Ops/AP
Firefighters work the scene of a burning building after an explosion on March 26 on New York City's Second Avenue.
Firefighters work the scene of a burning building after an explosion on March 26 on New York City's Second Avenue.
John Minchillo/AP
Flames can be seen coming from the building's roof.
Flames can be seen coming from the building's roof.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
People climb down a fire escape at the scene of the explosion. Luca Babini, the iReporter who took this photo, said he was in his office less than a block away at the time of the blast. He said a man immediately climbed a fire escape in an attempt to rescue people. "I saw a lot of people lined up at the streets trying to help," he said.
People climb down a fire escape at the scene of the explosion. Luca Babini, the iReporter who took this photo, said he was in his office less than a block away at the time of the blast. He said a man immediately climbed a fire escape in an attempt to rescue people. "I saw a lot of people lined up at the streets trying to help," he said.
Luca babini/CNN iReport
Firefighters and emergency workers gather near the scene of the fire.
Firefighters and emergency workers gather near the scene of the fire.
EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ/AFP/Getty Images
The Empire State Building can be seen through the smoke caused by the fire.
The Empire State Building can be seen through the smoke caused by the fire.
John Moore/Getty Images
Smoke billows as firefighters fill the street below.
Smoke billows as firefighters fill the street below.
John Minchillo/AP
The building includes both apartments and businesses.
The building includes both apartments and businesses.
Courtesy Henry Lihn
Firefighters fill the street as they work to extinguish the blaze.
Firefighters fill the street as they work to extinguish the blaze.
JUSTIN LANE/EPA
Fire can be seen enveloping much of the building in this image taken from Instagram.
Fire can be seen enveloping much of the building in this image taken from Instagram.
From maggielines/Instagram
The collapsed first floor appeared to house a Japanese restaurant; the building next door, with a shop specializing in French fries on the street level, was ablaze and appeared to have collapsed.
The collapsed first floor appeared to house a Japanese restaurant; the building next door, with a shop specializing in French fries on the street level, was ablaze and appeared to have collapsed.
JUSTIN LANE/EPA
Firefighters work to put out the flames.
Firefighters work to put out the flames.
JUSTIN LANE/EPA
Smoke rises following the explosion.
Smoke rises following the explosion.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Smoke obscures the New York skyline as firefighters battle the blaze.
Smoke obscures the New York skyline as firefighters battle the blaze.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
The official Twitter account of the city's fire department described the incident as a "major building collapse."
The official Twitter account of the city's fire department described the incident as a "major building collapse."
Jonathan Lemire/AP