Partial collapse at Mitchel Houses after gas explosion

A portion of a 20 story public housing building in the Bronx partially collapsed Wednesday morning after a reported gas explosion, sending a large section of the facade to the street and prompting an ongoing emergency response, officials said. The blast occurred around 8:10 a.m. at the Mitchel Houses complex on Alexander Avenue near East 135th to East 137th streets in the Mott Haven neighborhood, authorities said.

Fire department officials said they responded to reports of a gas explosion and that an incinerator shaft appears to have collapsed, creating a gaping hole from the ground level to the roof. The FDNY said there were no immediate reports of injuries. New York City police said they received 911 calls just after 8 a.m. and secured the scene. Mayor Eric Adams said he had been briefed and urged people to avoid the area for their safety, writing on social media, "Please avoid the area for your safety."

Video and images from the scene show a corner of the building missing, a cloud of dust over the block and bricks, air conditioning units and other debris scattered on sidewalks and streets below. Residents and witnesses reported that the portion of the structure that collapsed...