A massive gas explosion has caused part of a block of flats to collapse with emergency services on the scene.

Footage shows cracks along the side of a high-rise building in the Bronx, New York, with the incident reported at 8.30am local time today.

The building is located on Alexander Avenue near East 135th Street in the Mott Haven section of the borough and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

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Paige Ingram

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Anders Anglesey

Ex-New York governor praises firefighters' 'courage'

Former New York governor and mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo praised the city's firefighters "true courage."

He said on X/Twitter: "Their bravery and sacrifice, and that of all of NY’s first responders, remind us of the strength of this city and the heroes who protect it every day.

"As details continue to emerge, I am praying for the safety of everyone in and around the impacted area."

Anders Anglesey

New York Mayor hopeful 'grateful' no injuries reported

New York Mayor hopeful Zohran Mamdani said he was grateful no injuries had been reported.

Posting on X/Twitter, he said: "I’m grateful for the FDNY and other first responders who rushed to the scene of a partial building collapse in the Bronx this morning. No injuries have been reported — praying it stays that way."

Tim Hanlon

Housing inspectors on way to assist after building collapse

Inspectors from New York's Department of Buildings are on their way to the partially collapsed building with local people saying they had been smelling gas for a while before the explosion.

The Department of Buildings wrote on X: "DOB inspectors are currently en route to assist with the response to the partial building collapse at the Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven, Bronx."

Tim Hanlon

'Search and rescue operation underway' at block of flats

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry says there is a search and rescue operation underway but there are no injuries so far.

He wrote on X: "Partial Building Collapse – Bronx. 8:13 AM | 205 Alexander Ave (Mitchell Houses) •Chimney side collapsed •No injuries •Lines G & F evacuated •Perimeter secure •Search & rescue ongoing."

Part of the crumbling building (
Image:
CBS)
Tim Hanlon

'Incinerator shaft collapse' has caused part of building to crumble

Authorities say that an incinerator shaft collapsed in the block of flats causing the massive crack.

A police cordon is in place outside the building which has more than 10 storeys with fire crews sifting through rubble.

So far there have been no reports of injuries.

Firefighters checking the building (
Image:
CBS)
Tim Hanlon

New York mayor says he is being briefed on 'emergency situation'

New York Mayor Eric Adams says he is being kept informed on the "emergency situation" following an explosion at a block of flats.

He wrote on X: "New Yorkers, I have been briefed about the emergency situation taking place in the Mott Haven area of the Bronx. We are getting a full assessment from first responders and will continue to provide updates. Please avoid the area for your safety."

KEY EVENT

Full statement from New York fire department with crews at the scene

A statement from New York fire department states: "Emergency personnel are on the scene of a building collapse in the area indicated on the corresponding e-mail, text message, or tweet.

"Expect the presence of debris, smoke, dust, emergency vehicles, and traffic in the area."

Rubble at the bottom of the building (
Image:
CBS)
Tim Hanlon

New York fire department photo shows split running down block of flats

A dramatic photo from the New York fire department shows the large crack that runs right down the side of the building.

It states: "The FDNY is responding to a partial building collapse at 207 Alexander Avenue in the Bronx."

Tim Hanlon

Drivers told to avoid the area of the Bronx after explosion

People have been told to expect traffic delays and use other routes after the explosion in the Bronx.

A message from New York emergency services on X read: "Activity: Expect traffic delays & emergency personnel near Alexander Avenue & East 135th Street, The Bronx. Use alternate routes."

Tim Hanlon

Debris lying on floor outside building after 'explosion'

Residents in the Bronx neighbourhood have said that the part of the building that has collapsed is where gas pipes enter and there is debris lying outside.

The witnesses have said that the explosion came from the pipes and that is what caused the building to crumble.

Tim Hanlon

Building has partially collapsed

A block of flats in the Bronx, New York, appears to have split from images at the scene.

The building is located on Alexander Avenue near East 135th Street in the Mott Haven section of the borough and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.