Explosion at Mitchel Houses in Bronx; No Injuries

On Oct. 1 a massive explosion blew out a corner ventilation/chimney tied to the boiler room of the 20-story Mitchel Houses public housing building in Mott Haven, Bronx, sending bricks and debris into the street and causing a partial corner collapse. Officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and the FDNY, said there were no reported injuries or deaths. About 40 apartments were deemed unsafe and dozens of residents were evacuated or temporarily relocated to hotels or a reception center; the city shut off gas service and distributed hot plates while shuttling in temporary boilers. Fire marshals, housing authorities, Con Edison, the Department of Buildings and other agencies are investigating whether the blast originated in a ventilation shaft tied to boiler work as the heating season began. Remnants of the collapsed shaft are slated for demolition, and the blast has intensified tenants’ fears and prompted renewed scrutiny of NYCHA’s aging infrastructure and repair needs.