THE BRONX, N.Y. (WPIX) — An apartment building partially collapsed on Wednesday morning after a reported explosion in the Bronx, according to the New York City Fire Department.
The blast caused an incinerator shaft collapse at 207 Alexander Ave. around 8:10 a.m., according to the FDNY. No injuries were reported, fire officials said.
The incident appeared to be connected to the building’s chimney and boiler room, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during a public address, after being briefed on the situation. Fire officials said they believe the explosion may have occurred in the ventilator shaft, but they are continuing to investigate.
At least 40 apartments were evacuated, and gas to the building was shut off, officials said. K-9 units also searched 10-foot-high piles of debris for any potential victims.
Adams posted on social media, saying, “We are getting a full assessment from first responders and will continue to provide updates. Please avoid the area for your safety.”
Crews from Con Edison and inspectors from the Department of Buildings were also on the scene investigating the cause of the incident. Inspectors from DOB said they were also checking the foundation of the building and the apartments to ensure that it was safe for the residents.
A NotifyNYC alert warned of traffic delays in the area due to emergency personnel near Alexander Avenue and East 135th Street.
The collapse happened just as some residents in the area were dropping off their children at the nearby school, P.S. 154 Jonathan D. Hyatt Elementary School, as well as the NYCHA Mitchel Day Care Center. One witness, Diamond Freeman, told Nexstar’s WPIX that she heard a “big boom” moments before the scene unfolded.
“When you looked out, the whole building just went boom — it fell. Then you heard another boom, and all the side of the building just fell,” she said. “It was crazy. All you see is smoke.”
A spokesperson for NYCHA shared the following statement with WPIX regarding the collapse:
“This morning, NYCHA joined partner agencies including FDNY, NYPD, NYCEM and DOB, as well as Con Edison, to respond to an incident at Mitchel Houses. Early reports are of an explosion in a building chimney. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of this event and the extent of any damage beyond the reported exterior damage to the chimney. Agencies are on site to ensure the safety of residents and the public.”
The American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter for residents at a nearby community center, the New York City Office of Emergency Management posted on social media. MTA buses are also being warranted for sheltering, the agency said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said P.S. 154 Jonathan D. Hyatt Elementary School would also be used to help support the community and provide emergency shelter following the incident.
The incident comes one week after a fire in the same building left a teenage girl in critical condition and a medically induced coma, according to the FDNY and the family of the teen.
It also comes two years after another apartment building collapsed in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx.