THE BRONX: A Suspected Gas Explosion Forced A Building To Collapse, Killing One Person And Injuring Numerous Others

NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT: One person was killed and many others were injured in an apparent gas explosion at a detached home in the Bronx. 

Thick smoke covered the area, more than 100 New York firemen, EMS and policemen rescuing occupants from the residence.

Some residents said they initially assumed a plane had crashed in the neighborhood. 

A passing motorist came to the aid of a woman who had been shoved into a porch gate.

He then walked inside to try to save her sister, who was entangled in the rubble.

The sisters were sent to Jacobi Hospital, where one of them is in stable condition while the other has died as a result of her injuries.

Responding NYPD police rescued a third lady who was trapped in her apartment.

She was also brought to Jacobi Hospital for medical treatment.

Martha Dagbasta, 77, was the woman who died.

At least nine injuries were recorded in all, five of which were claimed by locals.

Smoke inhalation was also reported by five police officers, who were sent to the hospital.

Several families have been displaced, with some seeking refuge in a local church.

Many of the original tenants, who are now elderly, still live in row houses, which were erected in the late 1980s.

At a news conference given by fire authorities, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson remarked, “We are going to continue to work together to offer all of the services necessary for the homes and citizens. We want to show our support for the families who have been affected by the fire. Raise your voice in support of the locals who are battling for their lives in surrounding hospitals.”

The reason for the explosion is still being looked into. According to fire officials, there were complaints of a gas order previous to the explosion.

Posted By Bronx Newswire Journalist Brian Harrod 

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