The Associated Press

NEW YORK CITY — A small plane crashed into a high-rise condominium Wednesday on Manhattan's Upper East Side, touching off a raging fire that sent a pillar of black smoke over the city, police said. There was no immediate word on any deaths or injuries.

It was not immediately known if it was terrorism.

Flames could be seen shooting from windows on two upper floors of The Belaire, a 50-story tower on East 72nd Street, close to the East River. Burning debris fell on the streets below as firefighters shot water streams of water at the flames from lower floors.

Fire Department spokeswoman Emily Rahimi said the aircraft struck struck the 20th floor.

The tower was built in the late 1980s and is situated near Sotheby's Auction House. It has 183 apartments, many of which sell for more than $1 million.