At Least 29 Wounded In New York City Explosion

At least 29 people have been injured in an explosion in the Chelsea district of New York City, officials say.

The cause of the blast late on Saturday remains unclear. Mayor Bill de Blasio described it as "intentional" but said that there were no known terror links.

He also said there was no evidence of a link to a pipe bomb explosion in neighbouring New Jersey hours earlier.

None of the injuries is life-threatening but one is serious, the fire commissioner said.

The explosion in New York occurred around 21:00 (01:00 GMT on Sunday). Witnesses said people ran in all directions following the "incredibly loud" blast.

Unconfirmed reports said the blast went off in a dustbin, shattering windows in a nearby building. Several blocks have been closed down by police.

Mr de Blasio said: "We do not see a link to terrorism." He said it was too early to determine the cause but added: "We believe it was intentional."

ALSO READ: U.S Presidential Candidate 'Hilary Clinton' Falls ill At 9/11 Memorial

Police Commissioner James O'Neill said officers were investigating a second site, a few blocks away from the explosion.

Image copyrightREUTERS

Image copyrightREUTERS

Chelsea is among the most fashionable districts of Manhattan and its bars and restaurants are usually crowded at the weekend.

ALSO READ: Florida Shooting, ISIS Claims Responsibility For Nightclub Massacre

President Barack Obama is being kept up to date on the investigation, a White House official said.

The earlier bomb explosion in Seaside Park, New Jersey, on Saturday came shortly before thousands of runners were to participate in a charity race there. No injuries were reported.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton told reporters she had been in touch with New York officials.

"Obviously we need to do everything we can to support our first responders and pray for the victims," she said.

"I'll have more to say about it when we actually know the facts," she added.

ALSO READ: Nigerian President 'Buhari', Offers To Help Germany Fight Terrorism

Speaking at a rally in Colorado before police had commented on the cause of the blast, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told supporters that a "bomb" had gone off.

He said: "Nobody knows exactly what's going on, but boy, we are living in a time - we better get very tough, folks."

LIVEINTEL  HOME PAGE