New York City gets over 200 claims, signaling potential lawsuits, from gas blast that killed 8

New York City could face more than 200 lawsuits over a gas explosion that leveled two buildings and killed eight people earlier this year.

City Comptroller Scott Stringer's office says it's gotten 205 notices of claim surrounding the March 12 gas blast as of Monday. A notice of claim is a first step toward suing the city, though claims sometimes are settled before suits are filed.

The city Law Department has no immediate comment on the claims. They range from wrongful death to property damage.

The explosion destroyed two five-story East Harlem apartment buildings and injured more than 60 people.

Officials believe there likely was a leak in a 127-year-old, cast-iron gas main serving the buildings. The National Transportation Board hasn't yet issued a final determination of what caused the blast.