A Bronx high-rise building partially collapses with a ‘loud boom’ – but no deaths or injuries are reported

(CNN) — An explosion at a New York City apartment building blew off a floor-to-roof chunk of the high-rise – terrifying local residents in the Bronx.

It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion and partial collapse of the 20-story building on Alexander Avenue. Officials said they are investigating the possibility of a gas leak.

A ventilation shaft connected to the boiler collapsed, said Robert Tucker, commissioner of the Fire Department of New York. “We believe that’s where the explosion occurred,” but that’s for investigators to determine, he said at a news conference Wednesday.

No injuries or deaths were reported, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. Some residents have been evacuated as a precaution, CNN affiliate WABC reported.

One witness said she called 911 after