East Side Explosion Hospitalizes 2 Women, City Officials Say

MIDTOWN EAST, NY — Two 25-year-old women were hospitalized Thursday night after an explosion inside a parking garage on East 53rd Street, according to city officials.

Police and firefighters were called to the garage, located between Lexington and Third avenues, just after 9 p.m. for reports of a blast.

The FDNY said a generator malfunction is a possible cause, though the exact reason for the explosion is under investigation.

Both women were taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center. One is in critical condition, while the other suffered minor injuries, officials said.

First responders had the incident under control by about 9:30 p.m., according to the FDNY. Police said they do not suspect any criminal activity at this time.

This is a developing story and will be updated. For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.