Rescuers have found an eighth body in the remains of two New York City apartment buildings destroyed by a blast caused by a gas leak Wednesday.
At least nine others are still missing and 63 people were hurt. But hopes of finding anyone else alive are fading.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio says investigators can get conclusive evidence of what caused the gas leak only when the fire is totally out and the rescue effort is complete.
Some of New York City's gas mains date back to the 1800s.
Residents in a nearby building called officials at energy company Consolidated Edison to report the smell of natural gas minutes before the explosion.
Crews arrived at the building too late to investigate.
At least nine others are still missing and 63 people were hurt. But hopes of finding anyone else alive are fading.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio says investigators can get conclusive evidence of what caused the gas leak only when the fire is totally out and the rescue effort is complete.
Some of New York City's gas mains date back to the 1800s.
Residents in a nearby building called officials at energy company Consolidated Edison to report the smell of natural gas minutes before the explosion.
Crews arrived at the building too late to investigate.