The collapse of a three-story building in Manhattan this morning apparently was caused by a gas explosion, New York Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said.
A injured person is brought out of the collapsed building in Manhattan today. Photo: Reuters/Chip East
The blast "appeared to be a gas explosion," Mr Scoppetta said
Earlier the White House said the incident was not related to an act of terrorism.
The building and some neighboring buildings were evacuated, with "no reported injuries," although there were press reports of people trapped in the rubble, he said.
Police on the scene said there were people inside but that there was no immediate report of injuries.
Smoke billowed out of the building as firefighters inspected the damage from tower ladders, scrambled to remove debris and doused the flames with water.
Local media said the apartment building on the Upper East Side of Manhattan housed a beauty salon and some doctors' offices.