A loud explosion has rocked the area of West 23rd and 6th Ave in the Manhattan neighbourhood of Chelsea, according to eyewitnesses and a Reuters reporter.

The New York City Fire Department said it was evaluating 29 people with minor injuries, some of them serious.

25 injuries to civilians confirmed at 133 W 23 St #Chelsea. None appear to be life-threatening at this time — FDNY (@FDNY) September 18, 2016

The department also reported an explosive device at the scene. An initial investigation suggests the explosion was in a dumpster.

Some sort of explosive device caused at least a dozen injuries in Chelsea according to NY Fire Dept pic.twitter.com/Q9omnxfDfs — Ahmed Shihab-Eldin (@ASE) September 18, 2016

At least three people were seen being taken away from the apparent scene of the blast in ambulances.

— Brian R (@trainsflyby) September 18, 2016