Following the explosion and subsequent collapse of two buildings in East Harlem due to a gas leak, doctors, caregivers, and NYSNA nurses at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital and Harlem Hospital worked tirelessly to treat the dozens of patients injured as a result of the disaster.

According to the NYTimes, the death toll stands at eight as of last night. Besides those that lost their homes in the collapsed buildings, around 70 people that live in neighboring buildings, including numerous children, have been displaced. Many of the displaced live in buildings that lost power as a result of the accident, and are not allowed to return to their homes at this juncture.

A Red Cross shelter has been set up in a Salvation Army building at 125th Street and Third Avenue to provide a temporary home for those that are unable to return to their homes.

Our hearts go out to victims of the East Harlem explosion & we salute the Mount Sinai Hospital caregivers, doctors & NYSNA RNs who cared for them.