Overview
- The blast struck a five‑story building in the Norwood section of the Bronx on Wednesday, rapidly spreading fire that escalated to a five‑alarm response with roughly 270–300 firefighters on scene.
- Search teams found one man dead on a collapsed third floor and officials say about 14 people were injured, including several firefighters and civilians with life‑threatening wounds.
- Fire marshals and NYPD arson investigators remain on site but cannot fully enter because of partial interior collapse and structural instability.
- FDNY sources say investigators are examining a possible combination of a lithium‑ion battery failure and gas involvement while Con Edison has cut gas service and the Department of Buildings has not cleared the property for reentry.
- Dozens of residents have been displaced and the American Red Cross and city agencies are providing emergency hotel placements and aid while officials warn that safety inspections and repairs could take days or much longer.