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Bronx high-rise partially collapses after explosion. Video shows entire side of 20-story building gone.

An explosion rocked a Bronx high-rise Wednesday morning, causing the entire side of the 20-story building to collapse. 

The FDNY said it responded to a gas explosion, and that it appears the building’s incinerator shaft may have collapsed. At this point, no injuries have been reported. 

Videos show a gaping hole in the side of the building and extensive damage all along Alexander Avenue in the Mott Haven section of the borough. 

Mayor Eric Adams is headed to the scene, and officials are expected to provide an update at 11 a.m. You can watch live on CBS News New York, in the video player above.

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Chopper 2 flew over the partial collapse of a Bronx high-rise at the Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven on Oct. 1, 2025. 

CBS News New York


The explosion was reported around 8:10 a.m. at a residential high-rise in the Mitchel Houses, located at 205 Alexander Ave. near East 137th Street. 

One witness said she saw the smoke after dropping her kids off at school and called 911. 

“The whole building just — you heard a loud boom, and the thing just exploded, and it fell down just like that,” she said

According to the most recent NYCHA data, the housing complex has approximately 3,500 residents in 1,730 units across 10 residential buildings. It encompasses two city blocks and was completed in 1966.   

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The incinerator shaft of a Bronx building collapsed after a gas explosion on Oct. 1, 2025. 

CBS News New York


Wednesday’s blast sent bricks, air conditioning units and other debris raining down onto nearby buildings and the sidewalk and street below. Water also appeared to be bubbling up from the ground, possibly from a damaged pipe.

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A drone is visible at the scene of the partial collapse of a Bronx high-rise at the Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven on Oct. 1, 2025. 

CBS News New York


Firefighters could be seen digging through the rubble and using drones and dogs to make sure no one was trapped underneath.   

Some Mitchel Houses apartments being evacuated

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The incinerator shaft of a Bronx building collapsed after a gas explosion on Oct. 1, 2025. 

CBS News New York


At this point, there’s no word on the structural stability of the building, but officials say F and G apartments are being evacuated out of an abundance of caution. 

Some residents told CBS News New York at least two of the elevators are not working. 

The FDNY, NYPD, Office of Emergency Management and Con Edison are all responding to the scene. 

Several nearby streets are closed, and drivers are facing heavy delays around the area.

Check back soon for updates on this developing story. 

contributed to this report.

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