A significant gas explosion led to the collapse of a section of an apartment building in the Bronx, New York, prompting the swift response of emergency services. The incident, which occurred at 8:30 am local time today, resulted in visible cracks along the side of the high-rise structure situated on Alexander Avenue near East 135th Street in the Mott Haven area. Local authorities have advised motorists to steer clear of the vicinity.
Zohran Mamdani, a mayoral candidate in New York, expressed gratitude that no injuries had been reported. He took to Twitter to commend the rapid efforts of the FDNY and other first responders who swiftly arrived at the scene of the partial building collapse. The Department of Buildings in New York dispatched inspectors to the site to assist with the situation.
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Kaz Daughtry, confirmed that a search and rescue operation is currently underway, with no injuries reported thus far. The collapse was attributed to an incinerator shaft failure within the building. Mayor Eric Adams of New York assured residents that authorities are closely monitoring the emergency situation and urged people to avoid the area for their safety.
Emergency personnel are actively managing the aftermath of the building collapse, with a police cordon in place and fire crews engaged in clearing rubble. A photo released by the FDNY highlights the extensive crack running down the building’s side. Residents have been advised to anticipate traffic disruptions and seek alternate routes in the impacted area. Eyewitnesses noted that the collapsed section of the building housed gas pipes, leading to speculation that a gas-related incident triggered the structural failure.
