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A manhunt is underway after a gunman opened fire at innocent people on the subway in New York on Tuesday morning.

The gunman wore a gas mask and a construction vest before setting off a smoke canister during peak hour and injuring at least 29 people at 8.30am.

Witnesses said smoke filled the train in between stations before trails of blood were seen on the floor.

The man then began shooting and injured 29 people who were all treated at hospitals for gunshot wounds, smoke inhalation and other conditions.

It’s believed the shooter escaped the scene on foot and is described as a 165cm man with a heavy build wearing a green construction vest and a grey hooded sweatshirt.

“This individual is still on the loose,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said.

“This person is dangerous.”

The FBI is working with the New York Police Department (NYPD) as they follow “every viable lead”.

“The suspect was in the train car, the shooting began in the train car,” NYPD commissioner Keechant Sewell said.

“As the train was pulling into the station, the subject put on a gas mask.

“He then opened a canister that was in his bag and then the car began to fill with smoke.

“After that he began shooting.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene and assisted people, with a gun being uncovered on site. It remains unclear if it’s the same weapon used by the shooter.

Sewell said the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism as authorities are not ruling anything out.

Image: Facebook

This article first appeared on OverSixty.