Bronx Deadly Gas Explosion Linked to Alleged Stove Theft

Suspect arrested on murder, manslaughter charges after gas leak caused fire that killed one and injured 14 others

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter, and burglary after allegedly stealing a stove from a Bronx apartment, leaving the gas on, and causing a deadly explosion and fire that killed one person and injured 14 others in a 17-story building. The explosion and subsequent blaze caused major structural damage to about a dozen apartments on the top floors of the building, which was formerly run by the New York City Housing Authority but has been under private management since 2024.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights ongoing safety and maintenance issues in aging public housing buildings across New York City, as well as the dangers posed by gas leaks and the need for stronger regulations and enforcement around appliance and utility tampering. The arrest also raises questions about bail reform and whether more should be done to prevent repeat offenders from putting public safety at risk.

The details

According to law enforcement sources, Samuel Calderon, 55, who did not live in the building, was arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter, burglary, and other counts related to the January 24th explosion. Calderon allegedly stole a stove from an apartment and left the gas on, leading to the deadly blast and fire on the top floors of the 17-story building. Neighbors reported smelling gas shortly before the explosion, and firefighters arrived to find people calling for help from windows as flames engulfed parts of the upper floors. The building, which was undergoing renovations, sustained major structural damage to about a dozen apartments, with fires in 10 units on the 16th and 17th floors.

  • The explosion occurred around 12:30 a.m. on January 24, 2026.
  • Firefighters responded to reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors shortly before the blast.

The players

Samuel Calderon

A 55-year-old man who was arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter, burglary, and other counts related to the deadly gas explosion in the Bronx.

John Esposito

The FDNY Chief of Department who reported major structural damage to about a dozen apartments and fires in 10 apartments on the 16th and 17th floors of the building.

Leila Bozorg

The Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning who called the incident an "incredible tragedy" and said the city was sending thoughts to the families involved.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City who said all utilities in the building were shut down and all 148 apartments were vacated following the explosion.

Lillian Bonsignore

The FDNY Fire Commissioner who said there were injuries and that it was a "very, very difficult night" due to the cold weather.

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What they’re saying

“It's an incredible tragedy. We're sending all our thoughts to the families involved.”

— Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning

“There were injuries. It was a very, very difficult night on a very cold night, which caused even more difficulty.”

— Lillian Bonsignore, FDNY Fire Commissioner

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Samuel Calderon to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges facing aging public housing in New York City, from gas leaks and utility issues to the need for stronger oversight and enforcement to prevent tragedies like this. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of bail reform policies in protecting public safety.