The FDNY says several children were among at least nine people who were injured in a gas explosion at a Bronx building Thursday.
Six children were among the injured, two of them critically. A firefighter was also hurt.
The FDNY says the explosion happened at around 3:20 p.m. The city's Department of Buildings says it was reported at 1522 Paulding Ave.
A neighbor described hearing a boom and then calling 911. She says a young child appeared to have burned hair as a result of the blast.
That neighbor says the child's mother was able to toss her to safety, and neighbors helped rescue another child from the building.
The DOB says its engineers have deemed the building structurally stable, but it sustained severe damages inside, and a full vacate order has been issued.
Two neighboring buildings also sustained damage from the explosion, but they were both deemed stable as well.
Gas has been shut off to all three buildings.
The DOB says its investigation into the blast is continuing.
The American Red Cross tells News 12 that it has assisted two households. It says its team has provided temporary housing and emergency financial assistance