Panic in the US, bombs in Manhattan and New Jersey

The explosion that occurred at around 8:30 p.m. on West 23rd Street in Chelsea neighborhood appeared to originate from a construction toolbox in front of a building, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. A garbage can was found destroyed nearby.

A short time later, detectives located a pressure cooker at West 27th Street connected to wiring and a cell phone. Police warned residents of the area to stay away from windows facing 27th Street. Pressure cooker had been withdrawn from the area and taken to the department's firing field for further investigation.

NYPD spokesman J. Peter Donald said several wounded were taking for medical care. One suffered a severe perforation injury, and the rest were minor. Eyewitnesses said the explosion blew out windows of businesses in the area. "We felt it, we heard it, the restaurant went real quiet, 26-year-old Gonzalez told the Associated Press. "It wasn't like jolting or anything; everyone just went quiet."

The FBI and NYPD would not rule out terrorism but stated it is early to conclude the precise cause. Police did not say whether they had any possible suspects. Counterterrorism officers and firefighters rushed to the scene. The White House said President Barack Obama has been informed of the blast and will be updated continuously.

The explosion happened hours after a pipe bomb exploded in Seaside Park, N. J., soon before thousands of runners competed in a charity race to benefit Marines and sailors. No injuries reported.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!