New York, Sep 18 (IANS): 

An explosion has rocked a crowded neighborhood in the New York City that has left at least 25 people injured, authorities said.
Police spokesman J Peter Donald said on Twitter that the possible explosion happened at about 8:30 pm on Saturday at West 23rd Street in the Chelsea section of Manhattan.

"We are responding to a report of an explosion at 23rd St. and 6t Avenue in Manhattan. We will update you w/more when we have it," Donald tweeted.

People in the neighborhood took to social media to report that the area was being cordoned off and restaurants and shops were being evacuated.
Donald said "several" injured have been transported to area hospitals.

Numerous emergency vehicles are in the area, which is a major thoroughfare with many restaurants.

The explosion comes just hours after a pipe bomb exploded in a New Jersey town, shortly before thousands of runners were to participate in a charity race nearby.