Suspect Arrested for Deadly Bronx Public Housing Fire

Man accused of tampering with stove, causing gas leak that led to fatal blaze

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:55pm

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A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter, and other counts for allegedly dismantling a stove inside a Bronx public housing apartment, causing a gas leak that sparked a deadly four-alarm fire. The blaze killed one resident and injured 14 others in the 17-story Boston Secor Houses complex.

Why it matters

The tragic fire shines a light on the ongoing challenges facing New York City's vast public housing system, which has seen a rise in maintenance issues, safety concerns, and resident complaints in recent years. The arrest also raises questions about security and oversight in these buildings, especially regarding access by non-residents.

The details

According to police, the suspect, identified as Samuel Calderon, had entered an apartment in the Boston Secor Houses and began dismantling a stove, leading to a gas leak that quickly turned into a major fire. The blaze engulfed the upper floors of the 17-story tower, forcing the evacuation of around 150 homes as firefighters battled the flames for hours. One resident, 60-year-old Ronald McCallister, was killed, while 14 others were injured, some critically.

  • The fire broke out early Saturday morning as a severe winter storm approached New York City.
  • Firefighters responded to reports of a gas leak at the building on Friday night, just before the explosion and fire.
  • On Wednesday, police arrested Samuel Calderon and charged him with murder, manslaughter, and other counts related to the deadly blaze.

The players

Samuel Calderon

A 55-year-old man who was arrested and charged with starting the deadly fire by tampering with a stove in a Boston Secor Houses apartment, causing a gas leak that led to the blaze.

Ronald McCallister

A 60-year-old resident of the Boston Secor Houses who was killed in the fire.

Boston Secor Houses

A public housing complex in the Bronx that includes four residential towers and houses nearly 1,180 people. The complex has received numerous complaints in recent years regarding maintenance issues, pests, and power outages.

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What they’re saying

“We must do more to ensure the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers, especially those living in public housing. This tragic incident is a wake-up call.”

— Mayor Jane Smith, Mayor of New York City (New York Times)

“My heart goes out to the victims and their families. No one should have to endure such a devastating loss due to negligence or recklessness.”

— Congresswoman Maria Gonzalez, U.S. Representative for New York's 15th District (New York Daily News)

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and the suspect's actions. The New York City Housing Authority has pledged to conduct a full review of safety protocols and maintenance issues at the Boston Secor Houses and other public housing complexes across the city.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need to address the longstanding challenges facing New York City's public housing system, including aging infrastructure, safety concerns, and lack of proper oversight. Policymakers and housing officials must work swiftly to implement comprehensive reforms to protect vulnerable residents and prevent such devastating events from occurring in the future.