The building housed a doctor's and dental office and collapsedaround 8:40. According to eyewitnesses, Con Edison workers were onthe scene earlier in the morning reportedly investigating a gasleak prior to then explosion. The FDNY Commissioner NicholasScoppetta reports at least 11 people injured including fivecivilians and six firemen. The only occupant of the buildingreported injured was a doctor, Nicholas Bartha, the building'sowner. Bartha was able to call authorities from his phone whileburied in the wreckage.

A police official speaking on the condition of anonymity toldThe Associated Press that a lawyer for the doctor's wife contactedpolice recently and said that she had received an e-mail from himsaying he was contemplating suicide. Bartha was being forced tosell the building, the official said. As a result of the situation,authorities believe that the explosion may be related to a suicideattempt involving gas.