[UPDATE BELOW] We just received emails from readers about an explosion/boom in Greepoint: "Huge explosion heard in Greenpoint. Can't see anything but can hear sirens and fire trucks heading to the scene. Don't know what happened. I work at Diamond St. & Meserole Ave., could feel the building shake." "I live on Monitor St near McGolrick Park. There was just a very loud boom that shook the ground. Now I hear sirens. All the neighbors are out on the street. Any idea what happened?" Did anyone else hear it? Or does someone know? We're also checking with authorities.
Update: The 94th Precinct didn't have any information available but did say there were units at the scene.
Update 4:45 PM: Mystery solved: The Office of Emergency Management tells us that an acetylene tank at a recycling facility at 540 Kingsland Avenue exploded after getting hit by a "piece of machinary." At this time, it's believed that there are only minor injuries. So what's acetylene? According to Wikipedia, "Its singular hazard is associated with its intrinsic instability, especially when it is pressurized. Samples of concentrated or pure acetylene can easily react in an addition-type reaction to form a number of products." Thank God it wasn't one of the sewage digester eggs—they are just across the street!
