Building collapse in New York City's East Village

A building on fire near New York University collapsed on Thursday, and at least two people were critically injured, firefighters said.

Orange flames and black smoke billowed from the facade and roof of the five-story building in Manhattan, near several NYU buildings and the Washington Square Park area. Flames were spreading to other buildings. Investigators were looking into whether there had been a gas leak. There were some reports of an explosion before the fire.

The area was being evacuated, and other people were being evaluated at the scene. (AP)

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