BREAKING: A devastating gas explosion rocked a high-rise apartment building in the Bronx, New York City, early Saturday morning, claiming the life of one individual and injuring 14 others. The explosion occurred shortly before 12:30 a.m. as residents faced dangerously cold temperatures, plummeting into the single digits.
Firefighters rushed to the scene of the 17-story building, where witnesses reported seeing people desperate for help, leaning out of windows as flames engulfed the upper floors. Fire Chief John Esposito confirmed that crews had been investigating a reported gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion erupted, leading to significant structural damage across a dozen apartments.
Authorities report that one person died, while another is critically injured. Among the injured, five sustained serious injuries and eight had minor injuries. Emergency responders worked tirelessly, with over 200 fire and emergency personnel on-site, facing the added challenge of extreme cold. Some firefighters were temporarily trapped in an elevator during the chaos, illustrating the severe conditions.
“This has been an incredible tragedy. We’re sending all our thoughts to the families involved,” stated Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg during a press briefing. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that all utilities in the building have been shut down, and all 148 apartments have been evacuated. A reception center has been established at a nearby school, with the American Red Cross providing immediate assistance to displaced residents.
“This has been a deeply frightening and devastating morning for them,” said Mamdani. “They are not alone. Our city will stand by them and do everything in our power to help them get back on their feet.”
The building, previously managed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), has been under private management since 2024. Officials are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, with reports indicating that renovations had been completed on the natural gas system prior to this tragic incident.
In a city where over 500,000 residents live in aging NYCHA buildings, concerns over safety continue to grow. Many properties date back to the mid-20th century, and previous issues like lead paint and lack of heat have plagued tenants for years. The recent explosion adds to a troubling history of incidents linked to natural gas systems within these aging structures.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of residents affected by this tragic event. More updates are expected as officials work to determine the cause and provide ongoing support to those displaced.
Stay tuned for further developments on this unfolding story.
