A devastating gas explosion that ripped through a Bronx apartment building over the weekend, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries, has been attributed to a homeless man who stole a stove, according to New York City police authorities.
Deadly Blast and Subsequent Fire
The catastrophic incident occurred on Saturday at a 17-story residential building located at 3485 Bivonia Street in the Bronx. The explosion ignited a fierce fire that ravaged the upper floors of the structure, creating an extremely perilous situation for both residents and emergency responders.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following a thorough investigation, law enforcement officials arrested 55-year-old Samuel Calderon, who is reportedly homeless, on Wednesday. Police sources indicate that Calderon has been charged with multiple serious offences, including murder, manslaughter, and burglary in connection with the tragic event.
Investigators have determined that Calderon removed a stove from one of the building's units, which subsequently triggered a significant gas leak. This hazardous leak ultimately led to the powerful explosion that devastated the residential property. Authorities have not yet identified a specific motive behind the stove theft at this stage of their inquiry.
Emergency Response and Building Evacuation
Neighbours reported detecting the distinct odour of gas within the building around noon on Saturday, prior to the explosion. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters encountered residents leaning from windows and desperately calling for assistance as flames engulfed the upper levels.
The New York City Fire Department confirmed that their personnel were investigating reports of a gas smell on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred. Chief of Department John Esposito described the extensive damage, noting severe structural compromise in six apartments on each affected floor.
"We eventually had fire in five apartments on the 16th floor and five apartments on the 17th floor," Chief Esposito stated. "It was a very, very dangerous operation for our firefighters, who performed incredibly on those upper floors, searching and protecting civilian life."
Casualties and Building Status
The fire department confirmed that one individual lost their life in the incident, while a total of 15 patients required transportation to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The deceased has been identified as 60-year-old Ronald McCallister, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that all utilities within the building have been shut off as a safety precaution, and all 148 apartments have been completely evacuated. The structure remains uninhabitable pending further safety assessments and necessary repairs.
Official Responses and Community Impact
Leila Bozorg, deputy mayor for housing and planning, expressed profound sorrow during a news conference held on Saturday. "It's an incredible tragedy. We're sending all our thoughts to the families involved," she stated, acknowledging the profound impact on affected residents and the broader community.
The incident has raised significant concerns about building safety, gas infrastructure maintenance, and the vulnerabilities within urban housing systems. Authorities continue their investigation while emergency services assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate support for displaced residents.
