An explosion that rocked Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood and injured at least 29 people Saturday night appears to have been “an intentional act” — but not related to terrorism, according to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The cause of the explosion has not been determined yet, said New York City police commissioner James O’Neill.
The blast, which seriously injured at least one person, happened on West 23rd Street late Saturday in an area frequented by shoppers and diners.That area is about a couple of miles away from UN Headquarters where leaders from around the world begin a high-level debate in General Assembly’ 71srt session.
“New York City experienced a very bad incident,” de Blasio said at a news conference. “We have no credible and specific threat at this moment.”
Authorities said a possible secondary device was located a few blocks away on 27th Street, between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue. According to New York Police Department (NYPD) Special Operations Division the device, a pressure cooker, was removed by authorities. It was in a white plastic bag with tape, wiring and a cell phone or other electronic device.
According to Police said the device was to be detonated at the NYPD’s firing range in the Bronx. Police had earlier advised residents on the block where the device was found to stay away from windows facing 27th Street.
There were other suspicious packages and incidents in the area since the pressure cooker was discovered, but they were deemed not dangerous, police said.
Earlier on Saturday, a pipe bomb exploded in Seaside Park, in the neighbouring state of New Jersey, near a Marine charity run. The device was placed in a garbage can. No injuries were reported, according to auhorities.
