[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!

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UPDATED: Greenpoint Explosion Occurred At Recycling Plant