A bomb explosion in the Chelsea neigbourhood of New York City has injured twenty-nine people.

According to authorities the explosion which occurred on Saturday night, was being investigated as a criminal act, and not immediately linked to any terror organization.

Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio and other city officials said a natural gas leak has been ruled out by investigators as the origin of the blast, but they stopped short of calling it a bombing and declined to specify precisely what they believed may have triggered the explosion.

“There is no evidence at this point of a terror connection,” the mayor said at a news conference about three hours after the blast. He added, “There is no specific and credible threat against New York City at this point in time from any terror organization.”

A White House official said President Barack Obama, “has been apprised of the explosion in New York City, the cause of which remains under investigation”

“The president will be updated as additional information becomes available,” the official added.

Oludolapo Adelana

Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.