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UPDATE: 29 injured in New York explosion [photos, videos]

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UPDATE 3:00PM | NEW York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says an explosion in Manhattan was an intentional act, however, says there is no evidence at this stage to suggest the blast was a terror attack.

The explosion ripped through the Chelsea neighbourhood, injuring 29 people, authorities have confirmed.

The city’s Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro told reporters at a news conference that none of the injuries were life threatening.

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The blast is thought to have originated from within a dumpster outside the Townhouse Inn of Chelsea. The cause is still being investigated.

It occurred around the same time shoppers were slashed with a machete in an attack at a mall in Minnesota.

Several hours earlier, a pipe-bomb was detonated along the route of a Marine Corps charity race in New Jersey. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident.

City Mayor de Blasio told reporters there was no evidence “at this point” to suggest the incidents were connected or linked to terrorism.

The mayor also confirmed a second site was being investigated in Manhattan following reports that a possible second explosive device had been located.

EARLIER: MULTIPLE people have been confirmed injured after an explosion ripped through Manhattan in New York City.

It’s understood the explosion occurred at 23rd Street, near Sixth Avenue, in Chelsea around 8.30pm local time, according to U.S. media – SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS, PHOTOS!

The cause of the blast remains unknown, however, it is thought to have originated from within a dumpster (pictured below) which was located outside the Townhouse Inn of Chelsea.

Witnesses have told local media the blast blew out glass windows from several neighbouring buildings.

Early reports suggest as many as 25 people may have been injured.

Remarkably, initial information from authorities at the scene suggests none of the victim’s injuries are life-threatening.

Several of the injured have been transported to various hospitals across the district for treatment.

Hundreds of police and fire personnel have since saturated the area.

Officers are now sweeping the district for further possible explosive devices.

The incident comes after a bomb was detonated along the planned route for a Marine Corps charity run in New Jersey earlier in the day. It remains unclear whether the two incidents are linked.

We’ll have more information as it becomes available.

MORE TO COME …

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