According to the US Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC), on January 18, local time, an apartment building in New York City exploded and set off a fire, causing part of the building to collapse and killing one person.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) said the deceased was a 77-year-old woman.
In addition, the accident also injured a 68-year-old and an 82-year-old woman, who are currently in stable condition.
Five police officers were also taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
Witnesses said they heard at least two explosions before the fire ignited. The cause of the fire was initially thought to be related to a gas explosion, but there is currently no evidence to prove this, and the cause of the accident is also under investigation.
(CCTV reporter Liu Xu)