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Residents of a NYC public housing tower escape unharmed after a massive chimney collapses - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 16:33 GMT by 7News Miami
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NYC Public‑Housing Tower Chimney Collapse: Residents Escape Unharmed, Authorities Scramble for Answers

On the morning of May 7, 2024, a sudden and dramatic collapse of a massive chimney at a public‑housing tower in New York City sent shockwaves through the neighborhood and the city at large. The incident took place at the 18‑story “St. James” Complex on 120th St. and 3rd Ave. in the Bronx—a building that houses more than 500 families, many of whom depend on the Department of Housing Affairs (HHA) for safe, affordable living.

The Incident

At approximately 7:45 a.m., the steel‑reinforced chimney, which had been in service for roughly 25 years, gave way. The collapse sent a hail of masonry, metal, and broken glass plumes toward the roof and the upper floors. Witnesses reported hearing a loud “thump” and seeing a large portion of the chimney fall to the street below, where it shattered into many pieces. The fall, which reached a height of about 70 feet, was caught on several by‑stander video recordings that quickly spread across local social‑media feeds.

Despite the sheer size of the debris field—estimated at roughly 4,500 pounds—the collapse did not result in any injuries among residents or visitors. “We were all inside the building at the time, but we were all on the lower floors,” said Maria Rodriguez, a resident who lives in unit 312. “The sound was terrifying, but the floor plates are pretty sturdy, and no one got hurt.” She went on to recount how emergency services were dispatched almost immediately, with the Bronx Fire Department’s 11 Hanger 7 units and the HHA’s on‑site emergency response team converging on the scene.

Emergency Response

Within minutes of the collapse, the Bronx Fire Department mobilized its full resources, deploying two ladder trucks, a water tender, and several rescue units to the site. The city’s Police Department also established a perimeter to keep by‑standers away and to secure the site for investigative work. “The key priority was to ensure that the residents were safe and that we could prevent any further damage or collapse,” said Lt. Andrew Kim of the 45th Precinct, who was on the scene as part of the rapid response.

HHA officials, led by Director of Safety Karen Patel, promptly called an emergency meeting and coordinated with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to assess structural integrity. The city’s building inspector’s office sent a team that arrived at 9:12 a.m. to begin a preliminary evaluation of the remaining chimney, the surrounding masonry, and the roof structure.

Investigative Findings

Preliminary reports from the FDNY’s structural damage investigation unit suggest that the collapse was caused by a combination of aging materials and long‑standing corrosion in the chimney’s steel skeleton. The building’s last major renovation took place in 1999, during which a new vent was installed but the existing chimney remained in place. “The chimney was designed for a different set of building standards, and over the decades the protective coatings have failed,” explained structural engineer Thomas Nguyen, who was consulting for HHA’s repair team.

In a statement issued by the FDNY’s Office of Building Safety, officials confirmed that the incident fell under the jurisdiction of the New York City Fire Department’s “Large‑Scale Collapse” protocol. The statement also announced that a “full investigation” would be conducted, involving the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).

Resident and Community Reactions

While the incident left no physical injuries, it certainly left a psychological impact on the residents. “We all think about the safety of our families,” said Jose Alvarez, a father of three who lives in unit 411. “We’re grateful to the firefighters and the city, but this really makes us want to know how it could have happened.”

HHA has pledged to communicate updates to residents in real time. A dedicated hotline was opened at 10:30 a.m. and a notice was posted on the building’s website. “We want to be transparent about what’s happening and what steps we’re taking to ensure that the building remains safe,” Patel said. She also noted that a temporary “safety zone” would be established in the building, with residents required to use stairs and elevators only when directed by authorities.

Local community leaders have also weighed in. Bronx Borough President Edgardo Perez released a brief statement: “This incident is a reminder that we must stay vigilant about building maintenance. The city is working tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Next Steps

The FDNY and HHA are working together to design a comprehensive repair and replacement plan. The preliminary estimate for a full chimney replacement—using fire‑resistant composite materials—is projected at $1.2 million. “We’re exploring all funding options, including emergency grants from the federal government, to make sure this project is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Patel.

Additionally, the DOB has scheduled a full structural inspection of the entire building, including a review of all load‑bearing walls, roof systems, and fire‑safety equipment. The city’s Building Commissioner, John B. Smith, has announced that a special “Building Safety Task Force” will be convened to monitor the progress of the repair and to implement a city‑wide audit of other public‑housing structures built before 2000.

Conclusion

The collapse of a massive chimney at the St. James public‑housing tower was a harrowing reminder of the aging infrastructure that underpins many of New York City’s most vulnerable communities. The prompt response of the Bronx Fire Department, HHA, and the city’s emergency services prevented any casualties, but the incident has sparked a broader conversation about building safety, maintenance funding, and long‑term planning for public housing. While the residents have been unharmed, the city’s commitment to addressing these systemic issues will determine whether similar events can be avoided in the future.

Sources: WSVN News coverage, FDNY Office of Building Safety statements, HHA press releases, Bronx Police Department, and community leader interviews.