Residents were forced to flee as a high-rise apartment building in New York’s Bronx borough partially collapsed following a suspected gas explosion.
The blast happened at YCHA’s Mitchel Houses on Alexander Avenue just after 8am, according to ABC 7.
During a morning press conference,Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that there were no deaths or injuries as a result of the collapse.
First responders used dogs and drones to sift through the rubble to make sure no one was hurt down below. there have been no reports of injuries.
According to the New York Fire Department, a gas explosion caused an incinerator shaft attached to the building to collapse. The rest of the 17-story building appear to have been left unaffected. No damage has been
Bronx Building Collapse: Suspected Gas Explosion Shakes High-Rise, incinerator Shaft collapses
New York, NY – A suspected gas explosion rocked a high-rise apartment building in the Bronx on Wednesday, leading to the collapse of the building’s incinerator shaft and prompting a massive response from emergency services. While injuries have been reported, authorities have not yet confirmed the extent or severity.
The incident occurred mid-afternoon, sending debris cascading down the side of the building and triggering a frantic evacuation of residents. Firefighters are currently on the scene, working to secure the structure and search for any trapped individuals.
“we received reports of a possible gas leak followed by a loud explosion,” stated a spokesperson for the New York City Fire Department. “The incinerator shaft sustained significant damage and has partially collapsed. Our priority is ensuring the safety of residents and thoroughly investigating the cause of this incident.”
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, but initial reports point to a potential gas leak within the building’s infrastructure. Utility companies are working to shut off gas lines to the area as a precautionary measure.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene,with residents fleeing the building in a state of panic. “It was terrifying,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous.”I heard a huge boom and felt the building shake. Everyone just started running.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Bronx Building Partially Collapses Following Reported Explosion
A building in the Bronx, New York City, partially collapsed on October 1, 2025, following a reported explosion. As of the latest reports, no injuries have been reported.
Witnesses described a sudden and powerful blast. One resident recounted to WCBS News being on the phone describing what she saw when the building collapsed. “I was explaining to the lady what I saw, and she was like, ‘Hold on, let me transfer you to the fire department,'” she said. “Before she was about to do the transfer, the whole building just – you heard a loud boom, and the thing just exploded.And it fall down just like that.”
Another resident told ABC 7 New York that the explosion “sounded like a bomb.” A third resident stated they evacuated without shoes after their mother alerted them to the urgency of the situation.
Emergency services, including the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD), responded to the scene. The city’s Buildings Department and the Department of Environmental Protection are also involved in the investigation.
Initial investigations revealed the explosion also caused damage to an underground water main. Con Edison has shut off gas service to the affected area while crews continue to assess the situation and conduct repairs.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.