At least 29 injured in Manhattan explosion; 2nd device removed safely
CHELSEA, Manhattan -- At least 29 people have been injured after an explosion at 131 West 23rd Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
The explosion happened around 8:30 p.m. Saturday. 28 of those injuries are minor, and one injury is being described as serious. No fatalities have been reported.
Latest on injuries:
The NYPD removed a second device that they found on 27th Street. Sources say that device was a pressure cooker with cell phone and wires attached found in a plastic bag - they have not yet determined whether the second device was truly explosive or not.
Officials say they do not believe the explosion is linked to terrorism, but they do believe it was an intentional act.
Pedestrian and vehicular traffic has been diverted, and West 23 Street from 6th to 7th Avenue has been closed.
PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE:
Two cars on 23rd and 6th had their back windows blown out. An 8-year-old who was in the back seat was injured.
One person posted a picture on Twitter of a blown out dumpster.
The reports of a possible blast came hours after a pipe bomb exploded in Seaside Park, New Jersey, shortly before thousands of runners participated in a charity 5K race to benefit Marines and sailors. Officials say there is no connection between the explosions.
