NYC explosion: 3 firefighters and superintendent suffer minor injuries in Upper East Side Manhattan fire

A fire erupted in Manhattan’s swanky Upper East side, with flames engulfing a seven story apartment building, located at 305E. 95th street—nestled between first and second avenues. Witnesses said they heard what sounded like an explosion moments before flames and smoke filled the air, claims report.

Joann Sowma, who lives across the street, told the Daily Mail she heard an explosion and then saw heavy smoke in the sky, as mentioned by the WABC report. Videos showed strong flames on the roof and thick black smoke in the sky. Over 100 FDNY firefighters and EMS workers rushed to fight the fire and are still at the scene, as stated by Hindustan Times.

Gas buildup may have caused fire

According to ABC 7, the third-alarm fire started from a buildup of gas in the building’s basement. The flames spread from the roof into the cockloft and into three penthouses on the top floor. Deputy Assistant Chief James Canty confirmed that three firefighters suffered minor injuries.

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Officials warn people to avoid area

The building superintendent was in the basement during the explosion and is being treated for a minor injury. Kaz Daughtry, NYC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, said over 140 FDNY and EMS personnel are working to secure the area and warned people to avoid the location, as per reports.

Local residents shared their experiences online — one Reddit user wrote that the smell of burning was strong at 90th and 3rd, while another posted about the three-alarm fire alert. Officials said the fire’s cause is under investigation and updates will follow as this is still an active incident, as per the report by WABC.

FAQs

Q1: Where did the Upper East Side Manhattan fire happen?
The fire broke out at a seven-story apartment building at 305 E. 95th Street, between First and Second Avenues in Manhattan.

Q2: How many people were injured in the NYC apartment fire?
Three firefighters and the building superintendent suffered minor injuries in the Upper East Side Manhattan fire.