Manhattan apartment inferno: 'It was like they were pouring gas on it'

updated 11:05

Published: 9:18AM Friday March 27, 2015 Source: ONE News/AP

A construction worker has described a scene of chaos as a fire, thought to be caused by a gas explosion, engulfed a Manhattan apartment block this morning.

"I heard a loud explosion, just a very loud vibrating boom.People who were on the sidewalks and even people on the opposite side of the street were hit with debris," Matty Disilvestro told The New York Post.

Up to 30 people are thought to be injured in the "major building collapse" near the corner of Second Avenue and East Seventh Street in Manhattan's East Village.

Robert Shapiro witnessed the fire from nearby cafe. He described the intensity of the fire. "I've never seen such an aggressive fire - it was like they were pouring gas on it," he told the New York Post.

"The roof erupted in flames. I swear to you, at least 30 feet in the air, bright orange flames," he said.

The Associated Press is reporting at least two people who have been critically injured.

CNBC reports an explosion happened in a restaurant near the ground floor of the building with fire spreading to an apartment building.

Two buildings have been consumed by fire. According to the NY Post, a diner who was eating at the Sushi Park restaurant nearby told police he heard a blast from inside the nearby kitchen.

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Manhattan apartment inferno: 'It was like they were pouring gas on it'