Police and firefighters are responding to reports of an explosion and partial collapse of the building around 9 AM at a building on Park Avenue between 114th and 117th streets, the Fire Department said.
So far, there are reports of 11 minor injuries. The site of the explosion is close to a major commuter rail line that connects New York's suburbs to the city.
Video footage from the scene of the explosion showed heavy smoke rising from the area as firefighters and police reached the spot to put the blaze out.
"The building shook and then we looked to see what was happening. We saw a whole lot of smoke. A lot of smoke came out," witness Samuel Paul said.
The city's bomb squad is also responding to the situation as a precaution.
Many residents in the neighbourhood reported hearing a loud explosion.
