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.
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.
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.
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
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.





