India, Oct. 1 -- A part of a high-rise apartment in New York City collapsed on Wednesday, triggering a heavy fire department and emergency response. Videos on social media showed a pile of rubble in the area after the reported gas explosion. Fire officials, however, said there were no immediate reports of injuries.

Officials said that they responded to a report of a gas explosion that collapsed an incinerator shaft in the 20-story building at around 8:10 AM local time. "An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this event and the extent of any damage beyond the reported exterior damage to the chimney," the city's Housing Authority said in a statement.

"New Yorkers, I have been briefed about the emergency situation taking pl...