New York City explosion: One man held in police custody; subway stations shut, rush hour traffic thrown out of gear

Police say one suspect has been held in custody. 4 poeple have been reported as injured so far, none of them life-threatening.

New York City explosion: One man held in police custody; subway stations shut, rush hour traffic thrown out of gear Screen grab from video. (Twitter/@ANI)

An explosion rocked New York City's busy Port Authority Bus Terminal. The location is also extremely close to the iconic Times Square. Important subway stations have been shut, and rush hour traffic has been thrown out of gear.

The New York Police Department has said it has take one male suspect into custody. Four people have been reported injured so far. None of the injuries are life-threatening.

Update regarding explosion at 42nd St and 8th Ave, in subway: One male suspect is in custody. No injuries other than suspect at this time. Avoid the area. Subways bypassing #PortAuthority and Times Square Stations. Info is preliminary. pic.twitter.com/bEAdjq8mYc

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 11, 2017

 

News agency ANI tweeted this video of the location of the incident:

 

There is no confirmed information yet this was an accident or a terrorist attack. 

Minutes after the incident, NYPD tweeted a single line advisory, which read, "The NYPD is responding to reports of an explosion of unknown origin at 42nd Street and 8th Ave, #Manhattan. The A, C and E line are being evacuated at this time. Info is preliminary, more when available."

 

 

NYPD's transit bureau chief tweeted that all subway services through Times Square have been restricted, and requested everyone to avoid the area:

 

Local news media giant The New York Times is reporting that the Port Authority Bus Terminus has been evacuated.

White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted that US President Donald Trump has been briefed about the explosion.

 

More details are awaited.