Queens NYC Earthquake Mistaken for Explosion – NBC New York
TL/DR –
Emergency services in New York received several 911 calls from Roosevelt Island residents reporting shaking buildings and small explosions. Initial investigations by firefighting crews did not find any fire or likely source for the disturbances, and the scene was declared safe and handed over to Con Edison to investigate further. The U.S. Geological Survey later reported a 1.7 magnitude earthquake in nearby Astoria, Queens, although it is not confirmed if this was the source of the reported disturbances.
Key Facts
- Emergency 911 calls reported shaking and small explosions on Roosevelt Island’s Main Street around 6 a.m. Tuesday.
- The FDNY’s search did not uncover a fire or a probable source for the reports and categorized the situation as “unfounded.”
- USGS reports a 1.7 magnitude earthquake in Astoria, Queens at 5:45 a.m., but no official confirmation links the earthquake to the morning’s events.
Roosevelt Island residents reported small explosions early Tuesday morning. Firefighters responded but found no evident cause. The mystery may have been unravelled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS reported a 1.7 magnitude earthquake near Astoria, Queens at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday.
Reports of what sounded like small explosions from Main Street, south of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, came from both Manhattan and Queens just before 6 a.m. The situation was resolved within an hour, with FDNY unable to determine the source of the loud sounds.
One building reported shaking, leading to a significant firefighting response involving 60 fire and medical personnel from Roosevelt Island and Astoria. Reports state no fire was found.
Here is an interactive map detailing the earthquake.
“It was like a big boom, and then the room shook,” one Roosevelt Island resident told media outlets.
No injuries or rescues were reported. FDNY declared the situation “unfounded,” handing the scene to Con Edison, who reported no power outages on Roosevelt Island and continued investigating with emergency crews.
Officials have yet to confirm the reported shaking and explosion sounds were caused by the Queens earthquake.
Mayor Eric Adams’ office is awaiting additional information following the USGS’s earthquake announcement. Adams reported he did not feel the earthquake.
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