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New York|20-Story Public Housing Building in the Bronx Partly Collapses
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/01/nyregion/bronx-explosion-building-collapse.html
Fire officials said an incinerator shaft in the Alexander Avenue building had fallen in after reports of an explosion. There were no reports of injuries.
Oct. 1, 2025Updated 10:03 a.m. ET
A 20-story public housing building in the Bronx partially collapsed on Wednesday morning after reports of an explosion.
Fire officials said rescuers arrived at the scene in Mott Haven just after 8 a.m. to find that an incinerator shaft had collapsed. Pictures that the Fire Department shared on social media showed a gaping hole running down a corner of the building, which is part of the Mitchel Houses, a development run by the New York City Housing Authority.
Officials said no injuries were reported after the incident at 205 Alexander Ave., though rescue operations were continuing. About 3,462 people live in the Mitchel Houses, which was built in 1966.
“Early reports are of an explosion in a building chimney,” Barbara Brancaccio, an authority spokeswoman, said in a statement. “Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.”
Inspectors with the Department of Buildings were coming to the scene, according to a post that agency shared on social media.
Mayor Eric Adams posted on Twitter that he was aware of the “emergency situation taking place” in Mott Haven and directed people to avoid the area.
Kaz Daughtry, the deputy mayor for public safety, posted overhead footage of the gash in the building. He added in his Twitter post that a search-and-rescue operations were continuing.
No violations have been reported at the building, according to its profile on the city’s Housing Preservation & Development website.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Taylor Robinson is a Times reporter covering the New York City metro area.
Mihir Zaveri covers housing in the New York City region for The Times.
