UPDATE: A devastating gas explosion rocked a high-rise apartment building in the Bronx, New York City, at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, claiming the life of one person and injuring 14 others. The incident sent flames racing through the top floors of the 17-story building, as temperatures plummeted into the single digits overnight, creating a dire situation for residents trapped inside.
Firefighters rushed to the scene where onlookers were seen leaning out of windows, calling for help. Fire Chief John Esposito confirmed that firefighters were investigating reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred, leading to major structural damage across a dozen apartments. Flames engulfed 10 apartments on the 16th and 17th floors.
The tragic incident resulted in one confirmed fatality. Among the injured, one person is critically hurt, five suffered serious injuries, and eight others experienced minor injuries, according to officials. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed.
Officials revealed that the building had recently undergone renovations, with work on the natural gas system completed and inspected prior to the explosion. The cause of the blast remains under investigation as authorities work diligently to gather more information.
“This is an incredible tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families involved,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning, during a morning news conference. Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that all utilities in the building have been shut down, and all 148 apartments were evacuated. A reception center has been established at a nearby school, with the American Red Cross on-site to assist displaced residents.
As families grapple with the aftermath, Mamdani emphasized, “As you can imagine, this has been a deeply frightening and devastating morning for them. They are not alone. Our city will stand by them and do everything in our power to help them get back on their feet.”
More than 200 fire and emergency crew members responded to the scene, where conditions were made even more difficult by the frigid temperatures. During the chaos, some firefighters found themselves briefly trapped in an elevator. Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore described the situation as “very, very difficult on a very cold night.”
The Bronx explosion adds to ongoing concerns over safety in aging buildings managed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the largest in the nation, with many properties dating back to the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. In recent years, NYCHA has faced scrutiny over chronic issues including lead paint, mold, and heating problems. A federal monitor appointed in 2019 pointed out the severe state of many buildings and noted that challenges for residents persist.
This incident follows a previous explosion in October, where a massive brick chimney collapsed at another NYCHA building in the Bronx, though no injuries were reported. Authorities are now under increased pressure to ensure safety measures are thoroughly enforced to prevent further tragedies.
As the investigation continues, updates will be provided as officials work to determine the cause of this catastrophic explosion. For those affected, the city is committed to providing the necessary support during this challenging time.
