Bronx Apartment Building Gas Explosion Claims One Life, Dozens Injured
At a Glance
- A gas explosion at 3485 Bivonia Street on January 24, 2026 killed one person and injured 15.
- Over 230 emergency responders, including FDNY EMS and fire units, arrived within 15 minutes of the initial gas odor report.
- Around 150 homes in the building are being evacuated ahead of a winter storm.
Why it matters: The incident highlights the risks of gas leaks in high-rise buildings and the rapid response required to protect residents.
Incident Overview
At 12:09 a.m. on January 24, 2026, the New York City Fire Department received a call about a gas odor at 3485 Bivonia Street in the Bronx. First responders were already on the scene when an explosion tore through the building’s upper floors, igniting multiple apartments.
Explosion Details
The blast occurred on the 15th and 16th floors while units were investigating the odor. Chief of Department John Esposito noted that the explosion happened within 15 minutes of the initial investigation.
Fire and Structural Damage
The explosion caused severe structural damage in six apartments on each of the 15th, 16th, and 17th floors. Fire was confirmed in five apartments on the 16th floor and five on the 17th floor, creating a large fire that required extensive firefighting efforts.
Response and Resources
FDNY EMS treated and transported 15 patients to local hospitals. Over 230 EMS and fire resources responded, including fire marshals who are now investigating the cause. The rapid deployment of personnel helped contain the fire and treat the injured.
| Patient Category | Number | Treatment Status |
|---|---|---|
| Critically ill | 1 | Transported to hospital |
| Serious | 5 | Transported to hospital |
| Minor | 8 | Transported to hospital |
| Total | 15 | – |
Statements from Officials
John Esposito said, “While our units were here investigating the odor of gas on the 15th and 16th floors, we had members on the 16th floor when the explosion occurred.” He added, “We had severe structural damage in six apartments on each floor. We eventually had fire in five apartments on the 16th floor and five apartments on the 17th floor.”
Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore announced at a public briefing that the explosion “led to fires in multiple areas on the upper floors” and that the response involved more than 230 resources.
Chief Kathleen Knuth reported, “One critically ill person, five serious and eight minor, were treated at the scene before being transported to the hospital.”
Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg stated that the cause of the explosion was being investigated and that about 150 homes would be evacuated ahead of Sunday’s winter storm.
Evacuation and Winter Storm
In anticipation of a winter storm, authorities are evacuating 150 homes within the building. The evacuation is part of a broader safety protocol to protect residents from potential secondary incidents.
Investigation
FDNY Fire Marshals are conducting a thorough investigation into the explosion’s cause. The investigation will determine whether faulty gas lines, maintenance issues, or other factors contributed to the blast.
Key Takeaways
- The gas explosion at 3485 Bivonia Street resulted in one fatality and 15 injuries.
- A swift emergency response involving over 230 resources mitigated further damage.
- Authorities are evacuating 150 homes ahead of a winter storm while investigating the cause.
- The incident underscores the importance of timely gas leak detection and building safety protocols.
