newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/03/26/explosio...st-village-building/

12 Injured After Apparent Gas Explosion, Collapse At East Village Building

I once saw a hotel collapse in New York. It had been evacuated during the day as it shook..an old hotel full of welfare recipients.

As I walked down the street I suddenly saw it in the distance collapse in an almighty roar of smoke- spectacular. No-one hurt.

Realised then that Manhattan is a very ramshackle town. 100s of old buildings with perhaps shaky foundations built on re-claimed land with endless tunnels underneath- the Subway etc always grinding away.

I wonder if London is a bit similar> Not nearly as many tall buildings but lots of reclaimed land near the Thames, Tube etc.

Worldly wize construction-consultant Hedda.

ROCKS - Steady!