Video Source: https://www.youtube.com/@abc7NY
On Wednesday morning, an explosion damaged part of a public housing building in the Bronx. Around 8:10 a.m. ET, the blast came from a collapsed incinerator shaft. As a result, a section of the 20-story building collapsed, leaving a huge hole in the wall.
Fortunately, no one was injured.
Cause of the Blast
Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said the explosion likely started in the building’s boiler room. Investigators are still trying to find the exact cause. They suspect a gas leak might be responsible. Meanwhile, emergency workers evacuated some residents to keep them safe.
Eyewitness Account
One witness described the explosion. She called 911 after seeing smoke near the building. While speaking to the operator, she heard a loud boom. Moments later, the building collapsed. “It just fell down like that,” she said, still shocked.
Emergency Response
In response, Con Edison turned off the gas to the building. Emergency teams set up a temporary shelter at a nearby community center. Additionally, MTA buses stood by to provide shelter. The building belongs to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), which manages public housing. Although the building had violations, they did not relate to safety.
Ongoing NYCHA Problems
This explosion highlights ongoing issues with NYCHA housing. Many buildings, built in the 1900s, face problems like mold, pests, and heating failures. Although federal oversight began in 2019, improvements have been slow. Consequently, residents still deal with poor living conditions.
Calls for Accountability
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed no serious injuries occurred. However, he stressed that more inspections are needed. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson also urged officials to take stronger action.
Assembly Member Amanda Septimo voiced concerns. “We can’t rely on luck to keep our communities safe,” she said. Therefore, she called for a full investigation into the explosion and who is responsible.
This incident underscores the problem of aging public housing. Around 500,000 New Yorkers live in NYCHA buildings, many of which are deteriorating. Although the city has tried to improve conditions, problems persist. Thousands still live in unsafe buildings. Clearly, urgent action is needed.
What Happens Next
For now, evacuated residents are waiting for updates. Officials continue investigating and are working to prevent a similar event. Ultimately, this explosion serves as a wake-up call for the city to prioritize public housing.
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