Building explodes, collapses in Manhattan, Upper East Side

NYC Building Collapses After Blast, Fire


By ADAM GOLDMAN Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

NEW YORK ?- An explosion and fire sent a three-story building collapsing into rubble Monday just off Madison Avenue, the Fire Department said. It was not immediately clear whether people were trapped inside.

Thick, black smoke rose high above the building on 62nd Street between Park and Madison avenues on Manhattan's East Side. Ambulances, rescue units as well as police and fire department officials responded just before 9 a.m.

TV host Larry King, who had been in his hotel room nearby, described the explosion to CNN as sounding like a bomb and feeling like an earthquake.

"I've never heard a sound like that," King said.

Yikes. Keep us posted, Thomas. Hmmmm. Is that where all the advertising originates?

They just said the explosion had nothing to do with terrorism. I guess I'd been too jumpy when I started this thread. I got kind of nervous when I heard "building explodes and collapses in New York".

Shortly before the blast, Bartha sent out a rambling e-mail to his wife in which he contemplated suicide, a police official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

"When you read this ... your life will change forever," the e-mail read in part. "You deserve it. You will be transformed from gold digger to ash and rubbish digger. You always wanted me to sell the house. I always told you I will leave the house only if I am dead."