A partial collapse of a 20-story residential building in New York City prompted an emergency response and evacuations on 2024/10/26 at approximately 14:45 EDT. The incident occurred at 303 East 145th Street in the Bronx,affecting multiple floors of the structure.
Initial reports indicate a important structural failure on the building’s eastern facade, resulting in debris falling to the street below. While no injuries have been promptly reported, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) swiftly deployed units to secure the area and assess the extent of the damage. The collapse impacts residents of a densely populated borough already facing housing challenges, raising concerns about building safety and potential displacement. Authorities are investigating the cause of the failure, with preliminary examinations focusing on potential structural issues and recent construction activity.
New York City mayor Eric adams arrived at the scene to address the public and coordinate the city’s response.”We are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of residents and first responders,” Adams stated.”A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of this incident and prevent future occurrences.”
The affected building, constructed in 1973, houses approximately 150 families.The FDNY has initiated a full evacuation of the structure, and the American Red Cross is providing assistance to displaced residents, including temporary shelter and essential resources. The Department of Buildings has issued a partial stop-work order for adjacent construction sites as a precautionary measure.
This incident occurs amid ongoing scrutiny of New york City’s aging infrastructure and housing stock. The city has faced previous building collapses and structural failures, prompting calls for increased inspections and stricter building codes. The investigation into the Bronx collapse is expected to take several weeks, with findings potentially leading to revised safety regulations and increased oversight of building maintenance.
