Dramatic video captures chaos in moments after New York building explosion

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Dramatic cellphone video shows the terrifying moments after an explosion rocked an East Village building in Manhattan Thursday afternoon.

People can be seen frantically running out of the Sushi Park restaurant at 121 Second Ave. and East 7th Street. The restaurant shared the five-story building with apartments on the upper floors.

“What happened? Oh my God!” a woman can be heard yelling.

Bystanders rush to the aid of a man laying in the rubble, who appears to have been blown out of the building.

The massive explosion was likely caused by gas and plumbing work being done 121 Second Ave. Con Ed President Craig Ivey says crews were at the building just hours before the explosion to inspect the installation work of a new meter. The meter did not pass inspection.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said 19 people were injured in the explosion and resulting seven-alarm blaze, four of them critically.

Officials do not believe anyone is missing at this time.