What began as a calm, freezing night in a Bronx neighborhood quickly turned into chaos when a powerful explosion ripped through a high-rise apartment building, jolting residents awake and sending emergency crews racing to the scene.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, leaving one person dead and many others injured.
How the Fire Broke Out
Just after midnight, the New York City Fire Department received reports of a strong gas smell inside the 17-storey residential building on Bivona Street.
Fire crews were dispatched to investigate, but roughly 15 minutes later, a violent blast occurred.
That explosion triggered a four-alarm fire around 12:19am, with flames spreading rapidly across several apartments near the top of the building.
Heavy Damage on the Upper Floors
Fire officials said the blaze affected multiple homes, particularly on the 16th and 17th floors, and extended across the top three levels of the building.
City authorities believe the fire was caused by “some kind of gas explosion,” though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Later images showed severe damage, with the building’s upper façade blackened and torn apart by flames.
Lives Lost and Dozens Hurt
One civilian, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fourteen other people were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.
Among them, one person was listed in critical condition, five suffered serious injuries, and eight sustained minor injuries.
A firefighter was also taken to Jacobi Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Firefighters Face Dangerous Conditions
FDNY leaders described the operation as extremely risky, made even harder by bitter cold temperatures hovering around 12°F.
Firefighters battled intense flames on upper floors while searching apartments for trapped residents.
At one point, several firefighters were briefly stuck inside an elevator before being safely freed.
Massive Emergency Response
More than 230 firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics responded to the emergency, working through the night to contain the blaze and treat the injured.
The fire department confirmed the flames were brought under control shortly before 5am, though inspections and safety checks continued well into the morning.
Evacuations and Help for Residents
As a precaution, around 150 homes were evacuated while emergency crews worked to secure the building.
The American Red Cross stepped in to help displaced residents, and city officials opened a reception center at Cornerstone Academy, just minutes away, to provide shelter and assistance.
City Leaders React to the Tragedy
City officials described the incident as heartbreaking.
Housing and planning leaders confirmed the explosion is still under investigation and expressed sympathy for the families affected.
The mayor also shared a message of support, urging the public to stay away from the area while emergency crews continue their work and thanking first responders for their bravery.
A Warning as Severe Weather Looms
Officials used the incident to remind New Yorkers about fire safety, especially with a major winter storm approaching.
Emergency management leaders warned that similar incidents during heavy snowfall and subzero wind chills could be far more dangerous, not just for residents but also for first responders trying to help.
What Happens Next
Investigators from the fire department and the city’s buildings agency remain on site, examining the cause of the explosion and assessing structural damage.
Searches, inspections, and utility restoration are ongoing as the city works to ensure the building is safe and to support those whose lives were upended overnight.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn