A powerful explosion followed by a massive fire ripped through an apartment building in the Norwood section of the Bronx, New York, leaving one person dead and at least 14 others injured as hundreds of firefighters battled the intense blaze.
The incident happened Wednesday afternoon on East 209th Street, where emergency crews responded to reports of an explosion inside the residential building. Witnesses described hearing a loud boom before flames rapidly spread through the structure, sending thick smoke into the surrounding neighborhood.
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) said more than 300 firefighters responded as the blaze quickly escalated to a five-alarm fire. Firefighters carried out multiple rescues while emergency medical personnel treated injured residents and first responders at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that one person was found dead inside the building. Several civilians and firefighters were among those injured, with some suffering serious injuries. Dozens of residents have also been displaced after the explosion left parts of the building structurally unsafe.
Officials said the blast was powerful enough to blow apartment doors off their hinges and scatter debris around the property. Utility crews shut off gas service to the building as investigators began examining the scene.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Fire marshals and other investigators are expected to continue their examination once it is safe to enter the damaged sections of the building.
Residents who were forced from their homes are receiving assistance while city officials assess whether the building can be safely reoccupied.
Quick Facts
Location: Norwood, Bronx, New York City
Incident: Apartment explosion followed by a five-alarm fire
Fatalities: One confirmed
Injuries: At least 14 people
Emergency Response: More than 300 FDNY firefighters
Cause: Under investigation
Status: Investigation ongoing; residents displaced
Tags
Bronx Explosion, Bronx Fire Today, New York Fire, Apartment Explosion, FDNY, Norwood Bronx, Breaking News, World News