Ellie Kemp
Firefighters scrambled to a 20-story apartment building in the Bronx on Wednesday morning (October 1) following reports of a gas explosion.
Fire officials reported that rescuers arrived in Mott Haven shortly after 8am to discover that an incinerator shaft in the building had collapsed.
An underground water main also caved in as a result of the explosion, it was reported.
Photos released by the Fire Department on social media showed a large hole running down a corner of the Mitchel Houses at 205 Alexander Avenue. A large pile of debris at the bottom of the building can be seen in other photos.
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ABC7 Eyewitness reports NYPD K-9s have searched the rubble 'with no indication of anyone trapped'.
No injuries have so far been reported, and the rest of the building appears stable. However, it is currently under investigation.
New York City Emergency Management confirmed emergency personnel are 'conducting an interagency response to a partial building collapse' at the address.
"FDNY operations continue. NYPD is on scene for site security and enforcement of street closures. Con Edison Gas has shut gas utility to the impacted building."
The statement detailed that a community center at Alexander Avenue had been set up as a temporary shelter, with MTA buses designated for sheltering.
People are advised to seek alternate routes if traveling to the area and follow all instructions from emergency personnel.
New York Mayor Eric Adams issued an update via Twitter, writing: "New Yorkers, I have been briefed about the emergency situation taking place in the Mott Haven area of the Bronx.
"We are getting a full assessment from first responders and will continue to provide updates. Please avoid the area for your safety."
Speaking to ABC7 Eyewitness News, one resident recalled the carnage: "The fact that half of the building is gone and you felt it, it's like, luckily, I asked somebody, I asked was anybody injured? No injuries occurred.
"Luckily, everybody was able to get out safe. But feeling it and the intensity, and going downstairs, you could barely go downstairs, everybody is trying to go downstairs.
"People were carrying babies, people got no shoes on, got no coats, no hats, it's cold outside."
The New York City Housing Authority have since released a statement, NYCHA released a statement confirming '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."
They concluded: "Agencies are on site to ensure the safety of residents and the public."