Bronx Apartment Building Partially Collapses: No Serious Injuries Reported
In a holiday miracle, a Bronx apartment building partially collapsed without causing any serious injuries. First responders quickly arrived at the scene and began searching for potential victims. Fortunately, no one was found trapped under the debris. Firefighters worked tirelessly to comb through the rubble, which reached heights of 12 feet in some areas. Although two individuals sustained minor injuries while evacuating the building, no one was killed or critically hurt. The cause of the collapse remains unknown, and investigations are underway. Stay informed with the latest updates on this developing story.
First Responders Arrive at the Scene
When news of the partial collapse of the Bronx apartment building broke, first responders wasted no time in rushing to the scene. The FDNY arrived promptly, ready to assess the situation and provide assistance.
Police reported that the collapse occurred on Billingsley Terrace near Phelan Place in Morris Heights. The area was quickly cordoned off to ensure the safety of both residents and emergency personnel.
Search for Potential Victims
One of the primary concerns after the collapse was the possibility of people being trapped under the debris. The FDNY Chief of Department, John Hodgens, expressed the urgency of the situation during a press conference.
Emergency workers carefully tunneled into the rubble, working diligently to search for any signs of life. Despite the challenging conditions, they remained hopeful that no one was trapped under the massive debris pile.
Firefighters spent hours combing through the rubble, meticulously searching for any victims. Thankfully, their efforts yielded no casualties. However, two individuals sustained minor injuries while evacuating the building.
Uncertainty and Danger at the Scene
The collapse of the apartment building created a dangerous and uncertain environment for the firefighters at the scene. Chief Hodgens emphasized the potential risks they faced during the search and rescue operation.
With the cause of the collapse still unknown, there was a constant fear that more of the building could come crashing down. The safety of the emergency workers was of utmost importance, and precautions were taken to ensure their well-being.
As the firefighters carefully navigated the debris, they witnessed the extent of the destruction. Six apartments were completely destroyed, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
Eyewitness Accounts and Near Misses
An eyewitness, Ahmed Bendary, who works in a nearby bodega, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the collapse. He observed two men working on the building, which was under construction at the time.
According to Bendary, the scaffolding started creaking before the entire structure began to come apart. One of the workers managed to escape just in time, while the other continued drilling until the collapse was imminent.
The collapse narrowly missed the second worker, who fled across the street. Bendary watched in shock as the building crumbled, with large rocks and entire floors falling to the ground.
Building Inspection and Ongoing Investigation
Prior to the collapse, inspectors had identified unsafe facade conditions, deteriorating mortar, and cracked bricks in the building. Department of Buildings Commissioner James Oddo shared these findings during the press conference.
While there were seven open violations, none of them were structural. However, the blueprints for the ongoing construction seemed to focus on the corner of the building that ultimately collapsed. Further investigation will be conducted to determine if there were any contributing factors.
The FDNY and other authorities will continue to work together to uncover the cause of the collapse and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.