Mott Haven community fearful after building collapse
Residents in the F and G line of the building cannot return to their home and have been left on the street until the building is deemed safe.
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Residents who live in a Mott Haven apartment building say they are horrified after a gas explosion caused part of the building to collapse.
"I heard like a boom like an explosion and the building started shaking, shaking, shaking. I said, Oh my God, it’s the end of the world," said Merlyn Olivo, a resident in the building.
VIDEO: Residents describe moments before partial building collapse
“Random smoke, gray, black, everybody was running out, and nobody knew what happened,” said Gianah Everson, another resident.
Some people told News 12 they were sleeping when the explosion happened. They had to run outside in their pajamas. Some left pets upstairs while others left important medication.
“I can’t call my doctor because my phone’s upstairs and my doctor’s number is on my phone,” said Victoria Leftenant, another resident who left her phone and medication in the building.
Residents say they are shocked and want answers.
The Red Cross says it has a team currently on scene and is working to connect with impacted residents and coordinate with government partners to help support these residents. Residents who are displaced can go to the Mitchell Community Center at 210 Alexander Ave. for assistance.
