A major explosion shook Manhattan’s Upper East Side on Friday morning, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the New York City skyline. The blast sparked a large fire near East 95th Street and 2nd Avenue around 10 a.m., leading to an emergency response from fire crews and police

According to the local media, the blaze broke out shortly after 10 am local time near 305 East 95th Street, between First and Second avenues, not far from Central Park. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion moments before flames engulfed the roof of a seven-story apartment building. According to a nearby resident’s account, as told CBS, “The entire building shook. I thought a truck had hit it, or maybe an earthquake.”

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Within four minutes of the emergency call, dozens of fire crews arrived on scene. Officials said the flames tore through the cockloft and spread across three penthouses on the uppermost level. Fortunately, the fire was contained before it could spread to adjacent structures.

The New York City Fire Department confirmed three firefighters sustained minor injuries, though the specifics were not immediately disclosed. The authorities advised people in the vicinity to close their windows due to heavy smoke and warned of traffic disruptions.

Authorities have reported that the fire was under control, though crews remained on site to ensure no flare-ups occurred. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.