Gas explosion, fire on NYC apartment building kills one
Authorities reported that a fire broke out as a result of a gas explosion on the upper floors of a high-rise apartment building in New York City, killing one person and injuring 14 people, as the temperature dropped throughout the night.
Firefighters responded to the 17-story New York City Housing Authority building in the Bronx shortly before 12:30 a.m., where people were seen leaning out of windows and calling for help as flames engulfed the upper floors, authorities said.
Department Chief John Esposito said firefighters were investigating reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred.
He said there was major structural damage in about a dozen apartments and fire broke out in 10 apartments on the 16th and 17th floors.
Authorities did not immediately provide information about the deceased.
Another person was seriously injured, five had serious injuries and eight had minor injuries, authorities said.
Authorities said that the renovation work in the building is continuing, the work on the natural gas system has been completed and inspections have been carried out.
The cause of the explosion is being investigated.
“This is an incredible tragedy. We send all our thoughts to the families involved,” Leila Bozorg, deputy mayor for housing and planning, said at an early morning news conference. he said.
According to the fire department’s statement, there are more than 200 firefighters and emergency teams at the scene.
“There were injuries. It was a very, very difficult night on a very cold night, which caused even more hardship,” Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said.
Officials set up a reception center at a school near the building, and the American Red Cross was there to help with housing and other needs.
Nearly half a million New Yorkers live in older buildings operated by the city’s housing authority, known as NYCHA, the largest in the United States.
Most of the facilities date back to the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
A federal monitor was appointed in 2019 to address chronic problems like lead paint, mold and lack of heat.
Observer Bart Schwartz noted that the top issue for residents remains “the poor physical condition of NYCHA buildings” when he completes his five-year term in 2024.
