The New York City fire department says an “explosive device” has detonated in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan.

Several patients were seen being taken away from the scene of the blast in ambulances, but the severity of their injuries is not immediately clear.

As per the FDNY, there are a total of 26 patients, all with minor injuries. There are no reported fatalities at this time.

Emergency personnel are at the scene of an explosion in Chelsea.

The Fire Department says the blast was reported shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday at 135 West 23rd Street.

The explosion too place in a dumpster at the above location.

As a precaution, the NYPD Bomb Squad is searching the immediate area for any secondary devices.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic has been restricted in the vicinity of West 23rd Street and 7th Avenue.

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