NEW YORK (VINnews) — A powerful explosion tore through a Bronx apartment building Wednesday afternoon, igniting a five-alarm fire that critically injured two people and hurt three others, fire officials said.

The explosion occurred around 12:30 p.m. on the third floor of a five-story apartment building on East 209th Street, according to the Fire Department of New York.

The blast sparked a fire on the building’s second and third floors that quickly spread, prompting a massive response from about 270 firefighters.

Two people suffered critical injuries, while three others were hospitalized in stable condition, authorities said.

Residents described hearing a loud explosion before flames engulfed the building.

“It sounded like a bomb went off,” witness Lisa Landin said.

Another resident said she was nearby when the explosion occurred and rushed back after learning the building was hers, fearing for her dogs that remained inside.

“I saw the whole thing blow up in flames,” she said.

The cause of the explosion and fire remained under investigation.

UPDATE: This fire along East 209th Street in the Bronx is now a 5th-alarm assignment. FDNY members continue to operate. https://t.co/xtjeb349EM

— FDNY (@FDNY) August 5, 2026

BREAKING: Floor collapsed after explosion and major 6-alarm fire at 304 E 209th Street in the Bronx.

Video by Benjamin Dicker | Licensing @FreedomNTV [email protected] pic.twitter.com/l5xgOlc96v

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) August 5, 2026