A four-alarm fire tore through the upper floors of a Bronx high-rise early Saturday morning, killing at least one person and critically injuring another, fire officials said.
The blaze broke out just after midnight at a 17-story apartment building at 3485 Bivona St. in the Bronx after fire crews responded to reports of the smell of gas, officials said.
Within 15 minutes of their arrival, an explosion occurred, igniting a blaze across multiple floors.
Flames spread through several apartments on the 15th, 16th and 17th floors, officials said, drawing 74 fire units, 231 firefighters and emergency personnel to the scene.
Fire officials reported a total of 15 people were injured: One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was taken in critical condition to Jacobi Medical Center.
Eleven civilians suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to area hospitals, and another refused medical treatment, city officials said. One firefighter sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was also taken to Jacobi.
“ It’s an incredible tragedy,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg. “We’re sending all our thoughts to the families involved.”
Roughly 150 apartments in the building were evacuated as a precaution, she said. The American Red Cross was on the scene assisting residents.
A reception center opened at nearby Cornerstone Academy to help connect residents with shelter and services as New York experienced a dangerously cold night ahead of a winter storm that is expected to blanket the city in snow.
The fire was contained by approximately 4:50 a.m., and the cause remains under investigation.