New york: A gas explosion ignited a fire in a high-rise building in the Bronx district of New York, leading to the evacuation of approximately 150 flats. One individual lost their life, and 14 others sustained injuries, with one person in critical condition. All injured parties were transported to local hospitals for medical attention.
According to Ghana News Agency, a firefighter was also injured, though their injuries were not critical. The fire department responded to the 17-storey complex after reports of a gas smell in the building. The explosion occurred while firefighters were on the scene, and the fire subsequently spread across several flats on the 16th and 17th floors.
Photos and videos shared online depicted flames consuming the upper part of the building and black smoke rising. John Esposito, the head of the fire brigade, characterized the incident as a 'very, very dangerous operation,' noting that it took about four hours to bring the fire under control. The authorities are currently investigating the cause of the gas leak.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his condolences and gratitude on the social media platform X, stating, 'My heart is with everyone affected, and I'm deeply grateful to our first responders.' In a related incident earlier this year, a residential building in the Bronx partially collapsed following reports of an explosion, as the chimney shaft of the 20-storey structure gave way.