New York explosion horror as black smoke surrounds Manhattan after 'blast'

Black smoke has been seen over Manhattan following an ' major explosion' that has rocked New York city.

Videos circulating on social media show the aftermath, with the blast sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the skyline. Around 100 firefighters and first responders rushed to the scene and remain battling a blaze.

On Friday morning around around 10am local time, a large fire occurred near 305 East 95th Street in Manhattan, not far from Central Park. It comes after a man dies after wife runs him over in car park in 'tragic accident'.

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The fire was sparked by gas in the basement of the building, ABC 7report. Crews are still working, but appear to have the flames under control.

The New York City Fire Department confirmed they are on site battling the blaze. they wrote on X: "FDNY members are currently operating at a 3-alarm fire at 305 East 95th Street in Manhattan."

One witness took a video of the blast and uploaded it to X moments after. The user said alongside the clip: "Something just exploded on e95th street and then this the black smoke. Looks like it’s getting worse but might be the wind.

"It is very much mid block by the Q train 96th street station. On the upper east side." Another witness called Jimmy wrote: "Yes, there was a loud boom just before the fire and smoke started."

More than 100 fire officials and EMS personnel arrived to the scene. FDNY officials classified the incident as a 3-alarm fire, according to a post from the agency's X account.

Another social media user wrote: "My Dry Cleaners is between those buildings (Tender Care). I guess I won’t be picking up any suits today."

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