A quiet Saturday night at an 18-story luxury building in Bushwick went sideways when illegal fireworks hammered the glassy high-rise, sending tenants scrambling off rooftops and balconies and leaving behind cracked windows and rattled nerves. Residents said the barrage broke up rooftop parties in a hurry and that at least one person was hit by falling debris.
As first reported by the New York Post, witnesses said the chaos began around 9:15 p.m. and dragged on for roughly 30 minutes, with two men firing off fireworks from the street in front of the Cedar Tower. The projectiles struck the building’s windows, and rooftop guests bolted once explosives started slamming into the facade. City officials told the outlet that the Department of Buildings had not received any complaints about fireworks damage at the site. According to the Post, there were no reports of life-threatening injuries.
Tenant Says She Was Hit
A 28-year-old resident told the New York Post she was struck in the chest by a projectile, while another neighbor said the relentless blasts sounded like hail. Witnesses told the Post the fireworks were launched from street level and that two men were seen setting them off near the building.
The Building And Its Neighborhood
The Cedar Tower sits at 60 Cedar Street in Bushwick and is an 18-story rental completed in 2023, with one-bedroom units listed in the mid-$3,000s, according to StreetEasy. Its glass facade and elevated terraces leave it exposed to falling sparks and debris when unsanctioned fireworks light up the streets nearby.
Fireworks Are Illegal In The City
New York law makes possession or use of consumer fireworks unlawful in most situations, and selling them can bring misdemeanor charges. Only licensed professional displays are allowed, per New York Penal Law §270.00. City agencies and the FDNY warn that even smaller pyrotechnics can cause serious injuries or property damage.
How To Report And Stay Safe
In any emergency involving injury or fire, residents are urged to call 911. For non-emergency fireworks complaints, New Yorkers can file reports through NYC 311. The FDNY also posts safety guidance and resources on its official website for anyone worried about pyrotechnic hazards around busy holiday weekends, according to the FDNY.
Neighbors said the incident fed into broader anxiety over illegal fireworks across Brooklyn over the holiday weekend. Tenants with video or information were urged to contact local police.
