Gas Explosion Rocks Bronx High-Rise, Killing at Least One and Injuring Over a Dozen
At least one person is dead and 15 injured after a suspected gas explosion triggered a 4-alarm fire at a Bronx high-rise. Get the latest on the FDNY response.
A suspected gas explosion triggered a massive four-alarm fire in a 17-story public housing building in the Eastchester section of the Bronx early Saturday morning, resulting in at least one fatality and more than a dozen injuries, according to fire officials and eyewitness accounts.
The blast occurred shortly after midnight in apartment 15A of the Boston Secor Houses at 3485 Bivona Street, a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) high-rise.
Flames quickly spread to the upper floors, including the 15th, 16th, and 17th levels, forcing the evacuation of around 150 residents amid freezing temperatures.
Dramatic scenes unfolded as some tenants dangled from windows to escape smoke, while others fled down stairwells since elevators were disabled.
Over 200 firefighters from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) responded to the scene, battling the blaze for hours in what was described as a major emergency operation, including a "mayday" call that was later resolved.
At least one person was pronounced dead at the scene, with reports of injuries ranging from 14 to 15 people, some in critical condition, including civilians and at least one firefighter.
The explosion happened during an FDNY investigation into a reported gas odor, with preliminary findings pointing to a natural gas leak as the cause, though an official investigation is ongoing.
The fire displaced dozens of residents from the 300-plus unit building, with the Red Cross providing assistance.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani visited the site to meet with displaced families and commended the first responders for their efforts.
Ongoing searches, structural inspections, and utility repairs are underway, with authorities urging residents in similar buildings to report gas smells promptly.