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Today in History: East Harlem explosion kills eight, destroys buildings

3/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 12, 2014, a gas leak triggered a devastating explosion in East Harlem, New York City, at 9:31 a.m. The blast demolished two apartment buildings, resulting in eight fatalities and injuring over 70 people. Approximately 100 families were displaced. Investigations later revealed failures by Consolidated Edison and the city as contributing factors to the tragedy.

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Story summary

On March 12, 2014, a gas leak triggered a devastating explosion in East Harlem, New York City, at 9:31 a.m. The blast demolished two apartment buildings, resulting in eight fatalities and injuring over 70 people. Approximately 100 families were displaced. Investigations later revealed failures by Consolidated Edison and the city as contributing factors to the tragedy.