Bronx residents are pressing for accountability following a gas explosion at the Boston Secor Houses that tragically claimed a life and left many injured and displaced. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Jan. 24, when firefighters arrived in response to a report of a gas odor. A sudden explosion erupted across 10 apartments spanning the 15th and 16th floors, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries, as reported by PIX11 News. Wavecrest Management, the property manager, and NYCHA, the New York City Housing Authority, are facing scrutiny from tenants and activists over what they claim is a neglect of safety and maintenance issues.
One of the residents, Ramona Brown, who worked remotely from her bedroom at the time of the explosion recounted the moment to PIX11 News as, “It was an explosion, and it was like boom, like a sonic boom.” Firefighters swiftly instructed Brown to evacuate, joining over 100 families who were thrust into the cold due to displacement. Residents received a notice from management suggesting that the explosion stemmed from a removed stove, an explanation that has been met with skepticism by some amidst broader safety concerns.
Dare to Struggle, a grassroots organization, echoed tenant frustrations, attributing the lapse in repairs to a larger aim of NYCHA to privatize housing projects and displace the population. Thea, a member from Dare to Struggle, told PIX11 News, “They don’t do any repairs.” Conversely, NYCHA rebuffed such claims, emphasizing their round-the-clock availability and responsibility to address issues, while rejecting what they deemed “false accusations” from protesters exploiting the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Samuel Calderon, 55, came into the spotlight when surveillance footage, shown by the New York Post, captured the exact moment of the explosion which was a direct consequence of a stove theft. Calderon allegedly removed the stove to sell for drugs, despite an existing order of protection against him, leading to the gas leak that escalated to the catastrophic explosion. Charged with multiple felonies including murder and manslaughter, Calderon's extensive criminal history, which dates back to 1987, was highlighted after his apprehension three days post incident.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Red Cross stepped in to register 121 households for emergency assistance, supporting the effected Bronx community with financial aid and recovery services. In instances where lodging was necessary, residents were advised to reach out to building management for arrangements. As the authorities, management, and community members navigate the aftermath of this event, the demand for accountability and safety remains at the forefront of resident concerns.
