A gas explosion struck the Mitchel Houses, a public housing complex in the Bronx, on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at 205 Alexander Avenue and caused the building’s chimney shaft to collapse shortly after 8 a.m., according to ABC7. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) reported that the damage was limited to an exterior corner of the 17-story tower. The Department of Buildings is still assessing if any apartments were affected.
Following the blast, debris including bricks and air conditioners covered the sidewalk around the property. Residents raised concerns about the large amount of rubble at the site. FDNY deployed drones to examine structural damage, while two NYPD K-9 units searched through debris for possible victims. By late morning, city officials confirmed there were no fatalities or injuries as a result of the explosion.
Authorities established a collapse zone around the area and demolition crews are set to remove what remains of the damaged chimney before restoring utilities. Gas service has been shut off by Con Edison as a precaution.
Prior to this incident, DOB records indicate that Mitchel Houses had a partial stop-work order since June 25 due to previous violations. Other complaints included plumbing issues in June and an elevator malfunction in March. There are currently six active violations against the building with $31,000 in penalties outstanding.
Residents recounted their experiences during evacuation efforts following the explosion. “It sounded like a bomb,” one resident told Eyewitness News. Another described families fleeing without shoes and carrying children into cold weather conditions.
NYCHA issued a statement saying: “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.”
The Mitchel Houses have been home to more than 3,400 residents since opening in 1966. Some tenants from affected sections were temporarily relocated to a nearby community center.
This incident adds further scrutiny on NYCHA regarding ongoing tenant safety concerns and outstanding repair needs.
