Gas Explosion Collapses Corner of Bronx NYCHA Tower

On Wednesday morning, Oct. 1, 2025, at about 8:10–8:15 a.m., a suspected gas explosion in an incinerator shaft caused a partial collapse of the 20-story Mitchel Houses public-housing tower at 205 Alexander Avenue in Mott Haven, Bronx. The blast collapsed the chimney/incinerator shaft and ripped away an exterior corner from ground to roof, leaving a large pile of rubble and visible dust on the street. K-9 teams and other responders searched the debris and reported no injuries; roughly 40 nearby apartments were evacuated and Con Edison shut off gas service. The NYPD established a perimeter while the FDNY, Department of Buildings, Con Edison and NYCHA personnel remained on scene conducting inspections and an active investigation into the cause and extent of the damage. Mayor Eric Adams was briefed and urged the public to avoid the area; the incident has renewed attention to aging NYCHA infrastructure.