Overview
- Fire officials said a diesel generator malfunction caused an explosion just after 9 p.m. Thursday at 160 E. 53rd St. between Lexington and Third avenues.
- The blast blew an air-vent cover off the building and sent debris into the street, striking two 25-year-old women nearby.
- Both victims were taken to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where one was listed in critical condition and the other had minor injuries.
- FDNY crews brought the situation under control within about 20 minutes and remained on scene Friday to assess damage that appeared limited to a vent assembly.
- FDNY Fire Marshals are conducting a cause investigation, and officials have not announced any additional injuries or updated patient conditions.