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© Twitter @Marjan_LionThe buildings before the explosion
The search for victims of two East Harlem buildings that collapsed on Wednesday has been slowed because a sinkhole has opened in front of the buildings, a spokesperson for Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement tonight.

The sinkhole developed after a water-main break "likely caused by the explosion" this morning, which left three people dead and 27 injured.

"Heavy equipment is required to move additional debris and cannot be brought to the scene until the sinkhole is mitigated. The process could significantly delay rescue and victims search operations," according to the statement.

Nine residents of the two Park Avenue buildings are still missing, fire marshalls and the NYPD said.

There are no reported injuries to members of the FDNY or NYPD.

Officials said parts of the debris pile are being searched by rescuers but some areas are "not accessible" because of the sinkhole.

The mayor's office has instructed anyone attempting to locate family or anyone who may have been in the area to contact the Unified Victim Identification System by calling 311.

Red Cross officials are providing assistance and temporary shelter to area residents at P.S. 57, located at 176 East 115th Street.

A vacate order has been issued for four buildings in the area and all electric and gas service has been shut down between East 116th Street and East 117th Street on Park Avenue as well as on the north side of East 116th Street near Park Avenue.

The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to help investigate the explosion. The board also has jurisdiction over accidents involving gas pipelines.

De Blasio has scheduled a briefing for 11:45 a.m. tomorrow, and is not expected to hold any additional briefings tonight.