Bronx Building Collapse: FDNY Reports No Victims in Debris Search
In a remarkable turn of events, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) reported on Monday night that no victims were found in the aftermath of a partial building collapse in the Bronx. The incident occurred in the afternoon around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of West Burnside Avenue and Phelan Place in Morris Heights.
The seven-story building, which houses six commercial businesses and numerous residential apartments, saw a significant portion of its structure give way, leading to a dramatic scene captured in a video showing people fleeing the area.
Felix Vargas, a resident working in the building when the collapse occurred, recounted the moment his wife alerted him from their third-floor apartment about the building moving. He described the ensuing chaos as parts of the building, including the bedroom, collapsed.
Jason Castillo, the owner of a ground-floor bodega, narrated his narrow escape, having heard a cracking sound before the building came tumbling down.
FDNY teams, including drones, K9 units, and specially trained firefighters, arrived at the scene within two minutes of the emergency call. FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens highlighted the quick evacuation of the building and the subsequent focus on the debris pile to search for potential victims. The cause of the collapse remains unknown, and concerns about the building's structural integrity persist.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh detailed the extensive efforts of the firefighters, including the deployment of tactical units and rescue medics.
The building, officially addressed as 1915 Billingsley Terrace, had several open violations, raising questions about its maintenance and safety standards.
A witness working at a bodega across from the collapse site shared his observations of the building, which had been under construction for the three months he had worked there. His account described the sudden collapse, with large rocks falling before the entire structure gave way.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson expressed concern for the residents affected by the incident, emphasizing the need for investment in building maintenance and structural integrity to ensure long-term safety.
Tenant Angel Soto, who experienced the collapse while working remotely, described the frightening sensation of the ground shaking and his quick evacuation with essential items and his dog.
The residents of 172 West Burnside Ave., profoundly shaken by the incident, are now grappling with the impact of this unexpected disaster. The FDNY's report of no victims in the rubble comes as a relief amidst the chaos and destruction, highlighting the prompt response and thorough search efforts of the emergency teams involved.
