English
“compiled: Elmili TK”
NEW YORK — A high rise apartment collapse New York City shocked residents Wednesday morning, when part of a Bronx public housing tower crumbled into rubble. The city’s fire department said the collapse followed a gas explosion that destroyed an incinerator shaft inside the 20-story Mitchel Houses building.
Explosion leaves building corner destroyed
The collapse occurred around 8:10 a.m., sending bricks and debris cascading to the street. Videos captured by neighbors showed a dust cloud sweeping the block. Air conditioners, torn from windows by the falling bricks, scattered across the rubble.
Authorities confirmed no residential units suffered direct damage. They also reported no immediate injuries. However, officials urged people to avoid the area while crews assessed the damage.
City officials respond to emergency
Mayor Eric Adams announced he received updates and warned residents to stay clear of the site. Police confirmed multiple 911 calls about the incident. Firefighters, building inspectors, and Con Edison crews quickly arrived and secured a perimeter.
The city housing authority launched an investigation into the cause and promised updates. “We are determining the extent of the damage and any risks,” it stated.
History of aging housing stock
The incident highlights ongoing problems in public housing. Around half a million New Yorkers live in buildings run by NYCHA, the nation’s largest housing authority. Tenants have long complained about rodents, mold, and failing heat systems.
Most properties date back to the mid-20th century. In 2019, federal monitor Bart Schwartz began a five-year review of conditions. When his term ended in 2024, he concluded that the biggest challenge remained the “poor physical state of NYCHA’s buildings.”
Calls for urgent action
Housing advocates say this collapse underscores the urgent need for infrastructure repairs. While newer buildings have modern trash compactors, older towers still contain aging incinerator shafts. These outdated systems increase safety risks for tenants.
As investigations continue, city officials face mounting pressure to improve oversight and secure safer housing. For residents, the high rise apartment collapse New York City is another reminder of the dangers tied to neglected infrastructure.
