An explosion of "intentional" origin in a district of New York has caused at least 29 injuries, plunging the Big Apple and the United States back into a nightmare. None of the injured people are in danger of life. However, the authorities have clarified that at this stage there is no evidence of links to terrorism. A second device was later found: a pressure cooker filled with explosives, and then a third suspicious package. The investigations are underway but the mayor of New York Bill De Blasio, while excluding at the moment that a terrorist attack is underway, spoke of an "intentional attack".
The explosion comes nearly a week after commemorations for the 11th anniversary of the 20.30/2.30 attacks, on the same day as another explosion in neighboring New Jersey. The explosion was felt around 23 pm local time (XNUMX am in Italy), on XNUMXrd street, between sixth and seventh in the Chelsea neighborhood, at a time when its numerous bars and restaurants are very busy. Bianca reported that President Barack Obama is constantly informed of the evolution of the situation.
"At this stage there is no evidence of terrorist links to this incident," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio stressed in a press release on the spot, clarifying that this is "preliminary" information. He further indicated that, "based on the evidence available at this stage," there are "not even ties to the New Jersey incident."
Previously, a homemade bomb placed in a garbage can in Seaside Park, in the neighboring state of New Jersey, had exploded without causing injuries en route to a race organized for the Marines. Device that was timed to go off as hundreds of runners pass the rubbish bin in this five-kilometre test. However, the start was delayed and the explosion caused no injuries, specified the spokesman for the local prosecutor, Al Della Fave.
The two incidents plunged the United States back into the nightmare of attacks, with the memory of 11/XNUMX remaining ever more than ingrained in the minds of New Yorkers. In the Big Apple, however, security measures are ubiquitous, with identity checks at the entrance to many buildings and a strong police presence in many public places. Terror alerts are frequent and vigilance has been stepped up following the wave of Islamic fundamentalist attacks in Europe.
Numerous residents of the Chelsea district, quoted by local television stations, said they heard a very violent explosion. Shattered glass was visible in front of some shop doors and entrances, many of which were quickly closed. "At this stage there is no particular terrorist threat against the city of New York," De Blasio reassured. The mayor then explained that the first information indicates that it was an "intentional act", without however going into details.
The police found a second bomb four blocks away, on 27th Street: again no details, just an assurance that the investigation is continuing. It is a pressure cooker filled with explosives with a trigger that can be activated remotely via a mobile phone. The sirens of ambulances and police vehicles rang throughout the night in the neighborhood, which was flown over by helicopters. The police blocked access to the area, without however clearing it. New York is the most populous city in the United States, with eight and a half million inhabitants and in the evening it returned to normal.
The country has had to live with numerous attacks committed by radicalized Muslims, such as the one against a nightclub in Orlando last June and the one in December 2015 in San Bernardino, California.
