Gas Main Blast Causes Chaos in The Bronx

A gas main explosion in the Bronx on Sunday sent shockwaves through a neighborhood, injuring five people and forcing hundreds to evacuate amid noxious fumes.

At a Glance

A gas main ruptured at 379 Bedford Park Blvd. around 9:40 a.m., causing an explosion.
Five people suffered minor injuries; three hospitalized, two treated on-site.
Over 100 firefighters responded, evacuating several buildings.
Hundreds fled the local church due to noxious fumes detectable from miles away.
Con Edison crews worked to repair and restore gas service.

Chaos Erupts as Gas Main Ruptures

On Sunday morning, residents of Bedford Park in the Bronx were jolted by a sudden explosion as a gas main ruptured near the intersection of Bedford Park Boulevard and Decatur Avenue. The incident, which occurred around 9:40 a.m., quickly escalated into a scene of chaos and confusion as emergency responders rushed to the area.

Over 100 firefighters and emergency personnel converged on the site, working tirelessly to shut off the gas and evacuate nearby buildings. The explosion’s impact was felt far beyond the immediate vicinity, with noxious fumes spreading rapidly and causing concern among residents.

Five injured, eight buildings evacuated after gas explosion in the Bronx pic.twitter.com/kZyUazbx7n

— New York Post (@nypost) September 22, 2024

Injuries and Evacuations

The New York City Fire Department reported that five individuals sustained minor injuries in the blast. Three of these victims were transported to Montefiore Medical Center for treatment, while two others were treated at the scene.

“First, it was a bang. By the grace of God we are alive,” resident John Infante stated.

The gas leak forced the evacuation of several buildings in the neighborhood, disrupting the lives of countless residents. Particularly affected were hundreds of churchgoers from St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of India, who had to flee the area due to the overwhelming fumes. The incident’s timing on a Sunday morning amplified its impact on the community.

Response and Recovery Efforts

Emergency officials, including police and firefighters, swiftly closed off the area for several blocks to ensure public safety. Firefighters took decisive action, even breaking down apartment doors when necessary to ensure all residents were safely evacuated. Con Edison crews were quickly dispatched to the scene to make repairs and restore gas service, working diligently throughout the day.

“We left like 10 minutes before the explosion and my mother-in-law, she called us to see if we were okay,” Leurmills Mercedes said. “But the smell was pretty hard to breathe so we got some masks.”

By approximately 1 p.m., officials declared the situation under control, though the effects of the incident lingered. Nearby roads remained closed, and while gas lines were shut off, the noxious fumes were reported to be dissipating later in the day. The Department of Buildings was involved in the investigation, though the exact cause of the rupture has not yet been announced.

Community Impact and Concerns

The Bronx, already grappling with one of the highest asthma rates in the country, now faces additional air quality concerns in the aftermath of this incident. Local businesses and community gatherings were disrupted, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of such events on urban neighborhoods.

“It was scary! I got my dog, my documentation, and my son, I was like, I cannot breathe because it was smelling, all this area was smelling like crazy,” said resident Claudia Maccow.

As the community begins to recover from this frightening experience, questions remain about the underlying causes and potential prevention of similar incidents in the future.