PHOTOS: Two buildings collapse in East Harlem explosion, shock felt in NJ

SPECIAL REPORT: Seven people were confirmed dead, more than five dozen were injured and several were still listed as missing following an explosion in East Harlem that leveled two five-story buildings.

Thick smoke engulfed the neighborhood at 116th Street and Park Avenue after the 9 a.m. explosion, which also shattered windows in surrounding buildings.

The shock of the blast — believed caused by a gas leak — could be felt along the Palisades.

No total had immediately been established for those unaccounted for.

The hole where firefighters doused flames from ladder trucks became pile of debris. Bricks fell onto cars and glass onto neighborhood streets.

Train service on the Metro-North commuter line across the street was suspended.

Elizabeth Molina provided the photos here.

Photos: ELIZABETH MOLINA

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