A massive explosion has shaken New York City’s Upper East Side this afternoon, sending shockwaves through the bustling neighborhood and prompting a major emergency response. The incident occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. local time, with residents reporting a deafening blast followed by thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.

According to early reports, the explosion originated in a mixed-use building along East 77th Street, a densely populated area known for its residential apartments, small businesses, and heavy foot traffic. The exact cause remains under investigation, but officials have not ruled out the possibility of a gas leak or other structural failure.

Over 100 firefighters and first responders quickly flooded the scene, working to extinguish visible flames and conduct search-and-rescue operations. Streets surrounding the blast site have been cordoned off, and nearby buildings have been evacuated as a precaution. Emergency crews are using specialized equipment to check for hazardous materials and ensure there are no secondary explosions.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as panicked residents fled the area. “It felt like the ground shook beneath me,” said local resident Michelle Carter, who was walking her dog when the explosion occurred. “I saw people screaming, running, and looking up at the smoke—it was terrifying.”

Hospitals in Manhattan have been placed on high alert, with ambulances transporting several injured individuals for treatment. The New York Police Department has urged residents to avoid the area and allow emergency teams to work unimpeded.

Mayor Eric Adams is expected to address the public later today, and the city’s Office of Emergency Management is coordinating with Con Edison and other utilities to determine if infrastructure damage played a role.

As investigators work to pinpoint the cause, authorities stress there is no confirmed evidence linking the explosion to criminal activity or terrorism at this time. Still, heightened security measures have been implemented in the surrounding neighborhoods as a precaution.

New Yorkers, known for their resilience, have already begun offering assistance to those displaced, with local businesses and community centers opening their doors to provide shelter, food, and comfort to affected residents.