A significant portion of a seven-story residential building’s facade collapsed in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx on Tuesday afternoon, sending debris into the street below. Miraculously, no serious injuries or fatalities were reported despite the considerable structural damage.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on December 12, 2023, at 1915 Billingsley Terrace. Eyewitnesses described a loud rumble as bricks, concrete, and other building materials from the building’s corner section cascaded onto the sidewalk and roadway, extending approximately 30 feet from the structure.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Emergency services, including the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), quickly arrived on the scene. FDNY Chief of Operations John Hodgens provided an initial assessment of the situation.
“When we arrived here, we had a pile of bricks about 30 feet out into the street. We had the whole corner of the building collapse down to the ground,” said Chief Hodgens.
Mayor Eric Adams also visited the site, expressing relief that the collapse did not result in casualties.
“We are extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed,” Mayor Adams stated, acknowledging the potential for a far more tragic outcome.
Residents of the affected building were immediately evacuated as a precautionary measure, with authorities working to ensure their safety and assess alternative housing options. The area was cordoned off to prevent further risk to the public and to allow investigators to begin their work.
Investigation Underway
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) deployed inspectors to the site to determine the cause of the partial collapse. While the investigation is in its early stages, officials will examine the building’s structural integrity, maintenance history, and any recent construction or repair work. Records indicate the building, constructed in 1927, had received complaints regarding its condition in the past, including concerns about falling plaster and facade issues, though it is unclear if these were directly related to the collapse.
The Department of Buildings issued an emergency order for work to stabilize the remaining structure and safely remove loose debris. The immediate priority remains public safety and the thorough investigation into what led to the dramatic failure of the building’s exterior.
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