Part of a 20-floor public housing building in the South Bronx collapsed on Wednesday, Oct. 1, after what is believed to have been an explosion inside the building's ventilation shaft.
According to the New York City Housing Authority, the explosion that occurred around 8:10 a.m. ET sent debris to the street below, and remnants of the collapsed shaft are set to be demolished. Authorities said that despite the chaotic scene, no injuries or deaths were reported.
"We are extremely fortunate at this time we have no loss of life or no injuries," Mayor Eric Adams said.
Early reports indicate the explosion came from a chimney within the Mitchel Houses building, according to a statement from officials. Teams are investigating the extent of the destruction, which has been reported as "exterior damage to the chimney," the housing authority said.
Video shows partial collapse of NYC high-rise
Videos from the scene show the moment the shaft tumbles down onto the ground, leaving a trail of dust in the air.
As part of the building collapses, screams can be heard. Residents were seen standing outside thecomplex, talking with each other about what they heard or saw as streets and sidewalks remained closed later in the morning.
Some residents in wings near the chimney were evacuated, and emergency crews are continuing to work to ensure the building remains structurally sound for reentry, officials said.
"This is something that has happened before," Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, referencing a 2023 collapse in the Bronx. "I’m so grateful that no one lost their life. No one is in the hospital."
Contributing: Eduardo Cuevas and Jeanine Santucci/ USA TODAY
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Video shows moment when part of Bronx high rise collapses after explosion
Reporting by Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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