Five people were injured in The Bronx on Sunday when a gas main exploded, triggering a massive emergency response that included more than 100 personnel. The explosion occurred near Bedford Park Boulevard and Decatur Avenue in Bedford Park, causing a smoking crater and releasing noxious fumes. Hundreds of churchgoers from St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of India were forced to flee into the street, with some leaving their shoes behind in a panicked rush to escape. The FDNY reported five injuries, all minor, with three people taken to the hospital and two treated on site.
Witnesses reported that bystanders covered their noses and mouths as they ran from the reeking fumes, which could be smelled from several miles away. Firefighters at the scene stated that several people had fallen ill as a result of the gas fumes. A Con Edison representative informed PIX11 that the gas main rupture had left 21 customers without gas service, but crews were working to restore service by the end of the day. The explosion was reported at 9:40 a.m., with authorities bringing the situation under control by around 1 p.m. Nearby roads were closed, gas lines were shut off, and the fumes were dissipating, according to the FDNY.
The explosion in The Bronx left a smoking crater and caused chaos in the surrounding area, with panicked churchgoers fleeing into the street to escape the noxious fumes. The FDNY reported minor injuries to five individuals, with three taken to the hospital for treatment. Emergency personnel, including over 100 responders, were dispatched to the scene near Bedford Park Boulevard and Decatur Avenue in Bedford Park to address the situation. Bystanders covered their noses and mouths as they ran from the strong gas fumes that had spread over several miles.
Firefighters at the scene confirmed that several individuals had fallen ill due to the gas fumes, which were reported to be dissipating as emergency crews worked to control the situation. A Con Edison representative told PIX11 that 21 customers were left without gas service as a result of the rupture but that efforts were underway to restore service by the end of the day. The gas main explosion, which occurred at 9:40 a.m., prompted the closure of nearby roads, the shutdown of gas lines, and extensive measures to contain the fumes and ensure the safety of the public. By 1 p.m., authorities had deemed the situation under control and were working to address the aftermath of the incident.
The gas main explosion in The Bronx and subsequent release of noxious fumes led to chaos and panic in the neighborhood as churchgoers and residents tried to escape the hazardous conditions. The incident resulted in five minor injuries, with three individuals requiring hospital treatment and two being treated on-site. Emergency responders and numerous personnel were swiftly deployed to the scene to handle the situation and assist those affected by the explosion. The strong smell of gas fumes permeated the air for miles around, prompting bystanders to cover their noses and mouths as they evacuated the area.
Despite the challenges posed by the gas main explosion, emergency crews and Con Edison worked diligently to address the ruptured gas main and restore service to affected customers. The swift response by the FDNY and other agencies helped to bring the situation under control within a few hours, allowing for the reopening of roads and the gradual dissipation of the fumes. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prompt and coordinated emergency responses in mitigating the impact of such disasters and ensuring the safety of the public. As the community continues to recover from the aftermath of the explosion, efforts are underway to address the damage caused and support those affected by the incident.
