Chinatown rental building collapse injures seven

The partial collapse of an 18-unit Chinatown building shortly before 1 p.m. has injured at least seven, NY1 reported.

The incident took place inside a beauty shop at 17 Pike Street, near the Manhattan Bridge. According to the Fire Department of New York, there are reports of at least seven injuries, three of which are said to be serious. Two firefighters were among the injured, all of whom were taken to area hospitals. Witnesses at the scene told NY1 they heard an explosion and felt the ground shake around the five-story walkup.

The cause of the collapse was unknown at the time of writing.

The building is owned by Mary Shiu, according to city records. [NY1] –Julie Strickland