New York Mayor: Explosion Not Related to Terrorism

New York Mayor said that the explosion that occurred in Manhattan, in which about twenty people were injured, "has nothing to do with terrorism," reports the Patria news agency.

-It appears that the explosion in New York's Chelsea neighborhood was a "deliberate act," but there is "no evidence of a connection to terrorism," said Mayor Bill de Blasio at a press conference.

Twenty-nine people were injured in the explosion, but at this time nothing indicates it is related to terrorism, other officials also announced. Among the injured, only one person is in serious condition.

Of the 29 injured, 24 were taken to hospitals with injuries caused by glass or metal, said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.

According to the mayor, at this time it does not appear that this explosion is related to the explosion of a bomb in a trash can in New Jersey during a humanitarian veterans' race, in which no one was injured.

The explosion that shook the Chelsea area of Manhattan forced authorities to heavily occupy one of the city's liveliest areas on a warm Saturday evening.

 

According to police sources, initial findings of the investigation show that the explosion occurred in a container, but the cause is still unknown. The head of the New York special police unit stated on Twitter that "another explosive device may have been located" in the same area. 

Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the investigation is considering the possibility that the explosion was accidentally caused by explosives used during construction.

CNN reported, citing its police sources, that it is believed the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device.

U.S. President Barack Obama was also informed about the explosion, a White House official said, adding that the president will be further briefed when additional information becomes available, reports Index.