New York building explodes, collapses; 2 dead, 17 injured

Firefighters try to put out a fire after a reported explosion and building collapse in the Harlem area of New York City. The cause of the explosion, as well as reports of any injuries, had not yet been determined. - EPA/JUSTIN LANE

NEW YORK: Two residential buildings in Manhattan collapsed in an explosion on Wednesday, killing two women and injuring at least 17 other people as a serious fire spewed out thick smoke, officials said.

The explosion struck a building at 116th Street and Park Avenue in the East Harlem neighbourhood of New York, where witnesses said they were jolted awake by what sounded like an earthquake.