New York building collapses injuring 30 after 'massive gas explosion

More than 30 people were left injured after a “massive gas explosion” ripped through a New York apartment block causing it to partially collapse.

Firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene shortly before 3.30pm in Manhattan's trendy East Village amid reports more than a dozen people were trapped.

Specialists teams join emergency crews including rescue dogs.

Thick grey smoke billowed in to the air covering much of the Big Apple's famous city skyline as firefighters struggled to contain the flames.

As many as 30 people were reported to be injured.