Building collapses in New York, people feared trapped

A building in New York City's East Harlem area collapsed today following an explosion with reports of people trapped in the rubble.

The building collapsed this morning and authorities said they were responding to reports of people trapped in the rubble, according to fire officials.

Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like an explosion before the building collapsed. Flames and smoke could be seen billowing from the street, and video from the scene showed broken windows in neighbouring buildings, the New York Times reported.

The exact location of the building, and the cause of the damage, were unclear.

Dozens of firefighters were working to extinguish the fire as paramedics on the street worked to care for the injured.

Authorities at this time could not confirm reports of any injuries.

The Metro-North service was suspended, officials said, since debris from the building landed on the elevated train tracks on 116th Street and Park Avenue.

Fire officials said that they had reports of a fire and building collapse around 9:30 a.m. And were just arriving on the scene. They cautioned that many details remained unclear.

News helicopters showed that the roof of the building appeared to have completely collapsed.