New York police commissioner James O’Neill (center right) and mayor Bill de Blasio (center left) at the press conference held after 11pm on Saturday following an explosion in New York. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
New York Police Department news has circulated the remarks prepared for the commissioner, James O’Neill, apparently predating the presser held after 11pm:
At around 8:30 P.M. this evening, officers from the 10th Precinct were on routine patrol, driving westbound on 23rd Street, when they witnessed a large explosion in front of 131 West 23rd Street. The officers immediately called for additional units and ambulances.
The NYPD Bomb Squad and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force were requested to respond. As of this time, the exact cause of this explosion has not been determined. Investigation into this incident is active at this time and an extensive search is being conducted. The area around the explosion site is being treated as a crime scene.
As of this time, there is no evidence to indicate that this explosion is a result of any natural gas cause. Again, the exact nature and cause of this explosion has not yet been determined. As of the most recent information, there have been 27 injuries reported. [Note: This figure was updated to 29.] One of these injuries may be considered serious. The Fire Department is currently assessing the extent of any possible structural damage resulting from this explosion.
As further information is developed, we will provide updates. At this point, anyone with potential information about the incident is asked to call NYPD CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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