FDNY investigating report of building explosion on Roosevelt Island

Published Jan 2, 2024 at 7:31 a.m. ET

Modified Jan 2, 2024 at 7:42 a.m. ET

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Published Jan 2, 2024 at 7:31 a.m. ET

Modified Jan 2, 2024 at 7:42 a.m. ET

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Some New Yorkers experienced a shaky start to the first work week of the new year.

According to fire department officials, a call came in around just before 6 a.m. Tuesday about an explosion in a building at 580 Main St., directly below the Tram line on Roosevelt Island.

No injuries were reported, and FDNY units were investigating the cause of the suspected blast.

Meanwhile, residents as far away as Manhattan’s Upper East side, Astoria, and Long Island City in Queens felt something shake, and took to social media wondering if they’d felt an earthquake.

“Was that an earthquake that just happened in NYC? Woke me up woah,” said user Lugo.eth.

The United States Geological Survey, which monitors earthquake activity, did not have any reports of such an event in New York City Tuesday morning.

“At 5:45 in the morning, we woke with what sounded like a large bang, and the whole building sort of moved in response to the bang,” Jennifer Cohen, who lives on Roosevelt Island across the street from the building where the explosion was reported, told WNYC. “I’ve never been through an earthquake, but it didn’t really feel like an earthquake.”

Cohen said the first big bang was followed by two smaller ones, minutes later. They shook her building, but weren't as intense.

“It was as if someone slammed the apartment door and made the apartment shake, but times a lot,” she said. “It was simultaneous.”

About 15 minutes later, Cohen said she saw helicopters and emergency vehicles arrive on the Island.

The New York City Emergency Management Department posted an alert on X right before 7:30 a.m., warning of road closures, mass transit disruptions and emergency personnel near Roosevelt Island.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

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Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at bkriegstein@nypublicradio.org.

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