Obama briefed on New York explosion

Washington, Sep 18: US President Barack Obama was today apprised of the explosion in New York in which at least 25 people were injured, hours before his arrival in the city for the high-level UN General Assembly session.

An explosion rocked New York's Chelsea neighbourhood, a busy residential and commercial area in the city.

More than two dozen people have been injured as a result of the explosion. "The President has been apprised of the explosion in New York City, the cause of which remains under investigation. The president will be updated as additional information becomes available," a White House official said.

Obama is scheduled to travel to New York today and stay in the city for the next several days to attend the United Nations General Assembly session beginning tomorrow.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, was also briefed about the New York explosion. She was in the Washington DC addressing the Congressional Black Caucus dinner.

Referring to the explosion, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said tough measures needs to be taken.

"We better get very tough. We'll find out. It's a terrible thing that's going on in our world and in our country and we are going to get tough and smart and vigilant. We'll see what it is," Trump said.

PTI