Explosion at NYCHA's Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven Puts Residents at Risk

A gas explosion rocked the Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven on Wednesday morning, causing significant damage to the building and raising concerns about the safety of NYCHA's public housing structures. The explosion, originating from a boiler at 205 Alexander Avenue, caused part of the 17-story building to collapse, including the chimney shaft. While FDNY officials have confirmed that the collapse was limited to the exterior corner of the building, the Department of Buildings is still assessing whether any apartments were affected.

The debris from the explosion piled high at the base of the building, creating a hazardous situation for residents and passersby. Bricks, air conditioners, and rubble littered the sidewalk, leading to several injuries and damage to nearby properties. This incident has brought the safety measures of NYCHA's buildings into question, as the agency has been under scrutiny for its inadequate maintenance and lack of proper safety protocols.

Residents of the building expressed their concerns over the incident, with one tenant stating, "We've been complaining about gas leaks, mold, and other safety hazards for months, and now this happens. It's unacceptable." This sentiment is shared by many other NYCHA residents who have been struggling with substandard living conditions for years.

While no injuries have been reported, this explosion serves as a wake-up call for NYCHA and city officials to prioritize the safety of their residents. "It's a miracle no one was hurt," said one FDNY official. "But this incident should not have happened in the first place." The Department of Buildings is currently investigating the cause of the explosion and assessing the structural integrity of the building.

Originally reported by