The explosion, which occurred at 8:40 p.m., reportedly occurred in a dumpster at 135 W. 23rd St., according to reports.
At least 25 people sustained minor injuries, with one additional injury reported to be serious, according to ABC 7. There are no reports of fatalities.
Vehicular and pedestrian traffic has been restricted in the area of the incident.
The cause of the explosion is unknown, but CNN is reporting that authorities believe an improvised explosive device was the cause of the explosion.
"All indications are this was an intentional act," said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was at the scene of the explosion, alongside New York Police Department Commissioner James O'Neill, in his first day on the job after taking over for the retired Bill Bratton.
President Barack Obama has been briefed on the situation, according to the White House.
Earlier Saturday, a "pipe bomb-style" explosion occurred in a trash can near the boardwalk in Seaside Park, N.J., before a charity 5K race to benefit military soldiers.was about to begin.
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