One dead, 45 people displaced after explosion sparks 5-alarm fire at Bronx apartment building
Firefighters responded to a 911 call at 12:26 p.m. for an explosion on the 2nd and 3rd floor of 374 E 209th St.
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One person was killed and 14 people were injured after an explosion and five-alarm fire tore through an apartment building in the Norwood section of the Bronx Wednesday afternoon.
FDNY says crews responded to reports of an explosion and fire at 12:26 p.m. When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire on the second floor. At one point, an explosion blew out the building's windows, creating dangerous conditions for crews. Fire officials said it was initially difficult to determine where the fire was burning before flames spread into the hallway, up the stairs and into neighboring apartments.
As firefighters battled the blaze, portions of the second and third floors collapsed, forcing crews to temporarily withdraw before re-entering the building to continue extinguishing the fire. The incident eventually escalated to a fifth-alarm response.
According to FDNY, one civilian was killed. Two civilians suffered life-threatening injuries, two others sustained serious injuries and four more suffered minor injuries. Six firefighters were also hurt, including three with serious injuries and three with minor injuries.
The fire impacted 27 apartments. The American Red Cross says 45 residents have been displaced.
FDNY says the cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation. Officials also reviewed department call logs and found no reports of a gas leak at the building from January through this month.
However, several residents told News 12 they had been complaining about possible gas leaks for weeks. They say they repeatedly contacted their landlord, asking for someone to inspect the building, but claim no action was taken.
Investigators continue working to determine what caused the explosion and fire.
The NYC Department of Buildings has issued a full vacate order for the building citing issues with the structure’s stability.
