Deadly Gas Explosion Rips Through Bronx High-Rise, Killing One and Injuring Fourteen
A tragic gas explosion tore through a high-rise apartment building in the Bronx, New York City, in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in at least one fatality and more than a dozen hospitalisations. The devastating four-alarm fire erupted around 12:19am at 3485 Bivona Street, a 17-story residential dwelling, and rapidly spread across multiple apartments.
Catastrophic Blast and Rapid Fire Spread
According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the inferno originated from "some kind of gas explosion" on the top three floors of the building, with the exact cause remaining under active investigation. One civilian, whose identity has not yet been released, was declared dead upon arrival at the scene. The blaze left 14 others injured, including one individual in a critical condition, five with serious injuries, and eight sustaining minor wounds. All casualties were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
"It was a very, very difficult night on a very cold night, which caused even more difficulty," stated FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore during a Saturday briefing. She revealed that fire officials received an initial call reporting the smell of gas shortly after midnight. A unit was promptly dispatched to investigate, and the catastrophic explosion occurred approximately 15 minutes later.
Heroic Firefighting Efforts in Extreme Conditions
More than 230 fire and emergency medical services personnel responded to the intense blaze, which was described as an exceptionally hazardous operation. FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito praised the bravery of firefighters, noting that some were briefly trapped in an elevator during the rescue mission. "It was a very, very dangerous operation for our firefighters who performed incredibly on those upper floors, searching and protecting civilian life," Esposito remarked. One firefighter was later taken to Jacobi Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The fire, which affected five apartments on both the 16th and 17th floors, was ultimately brought under control by 4:52am. However, the aftermath left the building's upper floors severely damaged, with a charred facade visible in photographs taken later that morning.
Mass Evacuation and Community Response
Amid freezing temperatures of around 12°F (-11°C), approximately 150 homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The American Red Cross swiftly mobilised to assist displaced residents, while city officials opened a reception centre at the nearby Cornerstone Academy, located about five minutes from the blast site.
Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning, Leila Bozorg, expressed profound sorrow, stating, "It's an incredible tragedy. We're sending all our thoughts to the families involved." New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also conveyed his solidarity, writing on social media, "My heart is with everyone affected, and I'm deeply grateful to our first responders."
Urgent Safety Warnings Amid Impending Winter Storm
City authorities issued urgent appeals for residents to adhere to fire safety protocols, particularly as a severe winter storm loomed, threatening subzero wind chills and potentially the heaviest snowfall in years. Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol emphasised the heightened risks, warning, "If this happened tomorrow during the snowstorm, this is a much, much more complicated and dangerous event. Not just for the residents, but also for our firefighters and first responders."
He further urged New Yorkers to practice vigilant fire safety and avoid unnecessary travel. The New York City Department of Buildings confirmed its presence at the scene to conduct inspections and oversee utility restoration efforts, as the community begins the arduous process of recovery from this devastating incident.
