Blast and powerful fire in a building in New York (Photo)

An explosion occurred today on the sixth floor of a building in the Manhattan district of Greenwich Village, New York.

Clouds of smoke have covered the area while crowds have gathered on the streets.

The explosion reportedly occurred in a residential building.

Firefighters are fighting to extinguish the fire. Witnesses have said that they have heard a rescue before they see smoke in the apartment.

There's a developing situation right now, we don't have reports to hurt, but we'll report further details”, a police spokesman has said.