Overview

• The explosion was reported around 8:10 a.m. at NYCHA’s Mitchel Houses on Alexander Avenue in Mott Haven, prompting a large multi-agency response.
• FDNY said the building’s incinerator shaft failed, carving a vertical gap down the side as debris rained onto the street below.
• Con Edison shut off gas to the building while FDNY, NYPD, the Department of Buildings and the Department of Environmental Protection secured the area.
• No injuries have been reported; at least 40 apartments were evacuated and residents were directed to a nearby community center for temporary relocation.
• Search teams deployed drones and dogs to check the rubble, a damaged water main was reported, and officials said apartments appear unaffected pending full evaluation.