GAS EXPLOSION IGNITES BRONX APARTMENT FIRE, KILLING 1 AND LEAVING DOZENS WITHOUT HEAT. (PHOTO).

 Gas explosion ignites Bronx apartment fire, killing 1 and leaving dozens without heat

A gas explosion tore through the upper floors of a Bronx high-rise apartment building early Saturday, killing one person and injuring 14 others as temperatures dropped into the single digits overnight. Firefighters arrived shortly before 12:30 a.m. at the 17-story building, where residents were seen leaning out of windows calling for help as flames engulfed the top floors.

Fire Department officials said the explosion occurred amid reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors. The blast caused major structural damage to roughly a dozen apartments, with fires reported in 10 units across the 16th and 17th floors. One resident died, another was critically injured, five suffered serious injuries, and eight sustained minor injuries. The building, which had been undergoing renovations, had recently completed and inspected natural gas system work. Formerly managed by the New York City Housing Authority, it has been under private management since 2024.

City officials evacuated all 148 apartments and shut down utilities. A reception center for displaced residents was established at a nearby school, with the American Red Cross providing emergency housing and support. By early Saturday afternoon, more than 100 households, totaling 305 people, including 89 children, had registered for assistance. More than 200 fire and emergency personnel responded to the scene.

Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore described the response as extremely challenging, noting the combination of injuries and frigid overnight temperatures. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg extended condolences to the victims and pledged full support for those displaced. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over aging apartment buildings in the city, particularly former housing authority properties, many of which date back to the mid-20th century and have faced longstanding issues with infrastructure and safety.