New York —
An explosion at a New York City apartment building blew off a floor-to-roof chunk of the high-rise – terrifying residents in the Bronx and fueling frustration and outrage as to how this could have happened.
Investigators have not determined the exact cause of the explosion and partial collapse of the 20-story affordable housing building on Alexander Avenue. But officials said they are investigating the possibility of a gas leak.
No injuries or deaths were reported, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. Some residents have been evacuated as a precaution.
A ventilation shaft connected to the boiler collapsed, said Robert Tucker, commissioner of the Fire Department of New York. “We believe that’s where the explosion occurred,” but that’s under investigation, he said.
Residents who were inside at the time rushed to flee the building after the explosion caused a pile of bricks and debris to fall 20 floors to the ground. A cloud of dust hung over the area.
Building inspectors are on site looking at the foundation of the building, said the city’s emergency management director, Zach Iscol. Demolition efforts to remove parts of the collapsed brick chimney will continue on Wednesday evening and in coming days, according to the New York City Housing Authority.
“Then some of the real work begins — to start re
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