NEW YORK (AP) - An explosion was heard before a fire and collapse at a 3-story building on Manhattan's East Side on Monday, the Fire Department said. Television reports said people were trapped inside, but fire officials did not immediately confirm that.
Heavy black smoke rose high above the building, wedged between taller structures on 62nd Street between Park and Madison avenues. Damage, including shattered windows, could be seen at one of the adjoining buildings.
The building reportedly housed a doctor's office and a beauty salon.
Streets around the area were closed off to traffic as ambulances and rescue units responded just before 9 a.m.
Witnesses told reporters that they heard a loud explosion, but it wasn't clear whether it was before or after the fire started.
