VIDEO: Manhattan’s iconic skyline, usually a glittering tapestry of skyscrapers, was marred by thick plumes of smoke from the blast on Friday. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained

A n explosion was heard in New York City, one of the world's largest megacities, on Friday. Chilling videos circulating on social media show a massive cloud of black smoke rising from one of the city's streets. On Friday morning, around 10 am ET, a large fire occurred near 305 East 95th Street in Manhattan, not far from Central Park.

A major explosion rocked Manhattan's Upper East Side, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the New York City skyline on Friday morning, media reports said.