Man Arrested After Deadly Gas Explosion Ignites Multi-Alarm Apartment Fire
3485 Bivona St, Eastchester, Bronx
Published · Updated
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Summary
- A gas explosion in a Bronx apartment building led to a major fire, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries.
- The explosion, which occurred on January 24, 2026, caused significant structural damage, including the top floor being blown off. Firefighters conducted extensive rescue operations, with over fifteen people also injured.
- A NYPD statement revealed that a 55-year-old unhoused man, Samuel Calderon, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder and assault in connection with the incident
Timeline
Prosecutors say Samuel Calderon allegedly disconnected and removed a stove from his ex-girlfriend’s apartment with the intent to trade it for crack cocaine, triggering a gas leak that led to the fatal explosion and fire at the Boston Secor Houses.
Police have charged a 55-year-old unhoused man named Samuel Calderon with multiple counts of Murder, Assault, and other offenses.
The NYPD has announced an arrest in connection the blaze that killed at least one person and injured multiple occupants.
Police have identified the victim as Ronald McCallister, a 60-year-old man from the Bronx, NY.
Updates from Mayor Mamdani's press conference indicate one person was killed, and fifteen people were injured in the fire.
Secondary searches on the 15th and 17th floors are complete, with no additional people found.
A structural engineer from the Department of Buildings has been requested to assess the scene.
Firefighters confirm one additional fatality at the scene, bringing the total to two.
Secondary searches in several apartments on the 17th floor are complete, with no additional people found.
An update from FDNY states one person was pronounced dead. Three people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and one person sustained life-threatening injuries.
Radio clips available.
Firefighters report one civilian with critical injuries is being transported, while two others and one firefighter are in serious condition.
Firefighters report progress in knocking down the fire, with two lines stretched and a manifold set up.
Video shared by a Citizen user shows flames and smoke billowing from the apartment building as fire crews work to extinguish the blaze and free trapped residents.
Firefighters confirm multiple people are trapped following the explosion. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Firefighters are advised to use caution due to open elevator shafts caused by the explosion.
Firefighters are setting up a manifold and working to knock down the fire in the 17-story building.
Additional firefighting units are bringing equipment to the command post to support ongoing operations.
A person is reported to be out the window on the 18th floor, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
A person initially tagged for minor injuries is now in serious condition and being transported for medical care.
Special instructions have been issued for additional equipment to support firefighting efforts at the scene.
Rescue teams are heading to the 15th floor to assist with ongoing operations.
A command channel is now established for coordinating the response. Rescue efforts continue for a person trapped in the rear of the apartment.
Fire operations continue, with a mayday call for a missing firefighter. One person has been transported to a hospital.
Reports indicate people are hanging from windows, and rescue efforts are underway.
Additional rescue units are approximately five minutes away from the scene.
Firefighters have escalated the response to a fourth alarm due to the severity of the gas explosion.
Two additional fire engines are responding as a fourth alarm has been declared.
An ambulance is transporting a person with serious injuries to a medical facility.
Firefighters report the top floor of the building has been blown off due to the explosion.
Firefighters report that all elevators in the building are not functioning.
Firefighters have requested an ambulance to respond to a person in need of medical assistance at the scene.
Firefighters report multiple floors are involved in the fire.
Firefighters advise the fire was caused by a gas explosion.
Additional firefighting units are responding to assist with the second alarm at the scene.
Firefighters have issued a second alarm and are responding to reports of a person trapped inside.
Flames are visible on three floors of the structure.
Firefighters have declared a major emergency response due to the gas explosion in the building.
Firefighters on scene report a gas explosion and have requested additional units for assistance.
Citizen user video shows flames and smoke billowing out the windows of an apartment on the top floor. Firefighters are arriving on the scene.
Firefighters are responding to a reported fire in a multi-unit building.
Firefighters have received a report of an odor of gas in an apartment.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at 3485 Bivona St.
Prosecutors say Samuel Calderon allegedly disconnected and removed a stove from his ex-girlfriend’s apartment with the intent to trade it for crack cocaine, triggering a gas leak that led to the fatal explosion and fire at the Boston Secor Houses.
Police have charged a 55-year-old unhoused man named Samuel Calderon with multiple counts of Murder, Assault, and other offenses.
The NYPD has announced an arrest in connection the blaze that killed at least one person and injured multiple occupants.
Police have identified the victim as Ronald McCallister, a 60-year-old man from the Bronx, NY.
Updates from Mayor Mamdani's press conference indicate one person was killed, and fifteen people were injured in the fire.
Secondary searches on the 15th and 17th floors are complete, with no additional people found.
A structural engineer from the Department of Buildings has been requested to assess the scene.
Firefighters confirm one additional fatality at the scene, bringing the total to two.
Secondary searches in several apartments on the 17th floor are complete, with no additional people found.
An update from FDNY states one person was pronounced dead. Three people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and one person sustained life-threatening injuries.
Radio clips available.
Firefighters report one civilian with critical injuries is being transported, while two others and one firefighter are in serious condition.
Firefighters report progress in knocking down the fire, with two lines stretched and a manifold set up.
Video shared by a Citizen user shows flames and smoke billowing from the apartment building as fire crews work to extinguish the blaze and free trapped residents.
Firefighters confirm multiple people are trapped following the explosion. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Firefighters are advised to use caution due to open elevator shafts caused by the explosion.
Firefighters are setting up a manifold and working to knock down the fire in the 17-story building.
Additional firefighting units are bringing equipment to the command post to support ongoing operations.
A person is reported to be out the window on the 18th floor, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
A person initially tagged for minor injuries is now in serious condition and being transported for medical care.
Special instructions have been issued for additional equipment to support firefighting efforts at the scene.
Rescue teams are heading to the 15th floor to assist with ongoing operations.
A command channel is now established for coordinating the response. Rescue efforts continue for a person trapped in the rear of the apartment.
Fire operations continue, with a mayday call for a missing firefighter. One person has been transported to a hospital.
Reports indicate people are hanging from windows, and rescue efforts are underway.
Additional rescue units are approximately five minutes away from the scene.
Firefighters have escalated the response to a fourth alarm due to the severity of the gas explosion.
Two additional fire engines are responding as a fourth alarm has been declared.
An ambulance is transporting a person with serious injuries to a medical facility.
Firefighters report the top floor of the building has been blown off due to the explosion.
Firefighters report that all elevators in the building are not functioning.
Firefighters have requested an ambulance to respond to a person in need of medical assistance at the scene.
Firefighters report multiple floors are involved in the fire.
Firefighters advise the fire was caused by a gas explosion.
Additional firefighting units are responding to assist with the second alarm at the scene.
Firefighters have issued a second alarm and are responding to reports of a person trapped inside.
Flames are visible on three floors of the structure.
Firefighters have declared a major emergency response due to the gas explosion in the building.
Firefighters on scene report a gas explosion and have requested additional units for assistance.
Citizen user video shows flames and smoke billowing out the windows of an apartment on the top floor. Firefighters are arriving on the scene.
Firefighters are responding to a reported fire in a multi-unit building.
Firefighters have received a report of an odor of gas in an apartment.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at 3485 Bivona St.
Prosecutors say Samuel Calderon allegedly disconnected and removed a stove from his ex-girlfriend’s apartment with the intent to trade it for crack cocaine, triggering a gas leak that led to the fatal explosion and fire at the Boston Secor Houses.
Police have charged a 55-year-old unhoused man named Samuel Calderon with multiple counts of Murder, Assault, and other offenses.
The NYPD has announced an arrest in connection the blaze that killed at least one person and injured multiple occupants.
Police have identified the victim as Ronald McCallister, a 60-year-old man from the Bronx, NY.
Updates from Mayor Mamdani's press conference indicate one person was killed, and fifteen people were injured in the fire.
Secondary searches on the 15th and 17th floors are complete, with no additional people found.
A structural engineer from the Department of Buildings has been requested to assess the scene.
Firefighters confirm one additional fatality at the scene, bringing the total to two.
Secondary searches in several apartments on the 17th floor are complete, with no additional people found.
An update from FDNY states one person was pronounced dead. Three people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and one person sustained life-threatening injuries.
Radio clips available.
Firefighters report one civilian with critical injuries is being transported, while two others and one firefighter are in serious condition.
Firefighters report progress in knocking down the fire, with two lines stretched and a manifold set up.
Video shared by a Citizen user shows flames and smoke billowing from the apartment building as fire crews work to extinguish the blaze and free trapped residents.
Firefighters confirm multiple people are trapped following the explosion. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Firefighters are advised to use caution due to open elevator shafts caused by the explosion.
Firefighters are setting up a manifold and working to knock down the fire in the 17-story building.
Additional firefighting units are bringing equipment to the command post to support ongoing operations.
A person is reported to be out the window on the 18th floor, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
A person initially tagged for minor injuries is now in serious condition and being transported for medical care.
Special instructions have been issued for additional equipment to support firefighting efforts at the scene.
Rescue teams are heading to the 15th floor to assist with ongoing operations.
A command channel is now established for coordinating the response. Rescue efforts continue for a person trapped in the rear of the apartment.
Fire operations continue, with a mayday call for a missing firefighter. One person has been transported to a hospital.
Reports indicate people are hanging from windows, and rescue efforts are underway.
Additional rescue units are approximately five minutes away from the scene.
Firefighters have escalated the response to a fourth alarm due to the severity of the gas explosion.
Two additional fire engines are responding as a fourth alarm has been declared.
An ambulance is transporting a person with serious injuries to a medical facility.
Firefighters report the top floor of the building has been blown off due to the explosion.
Firefighters report that all elevators in the building are not functioning.
Firefighters have requested an ambulance to respond to a person in need of medical assistance at the scene.
Firefighters report multiple floors are involved in the fire.
Firefighters advise the fire was caused by a gas explosion.
Additional firefighting units are responding to assist with the second alarm at the scene.
Firefighters have issued a second alarm and are responding to reports of a person trapped inside.
Flames are visible on three floors of the structure.
Firefighters have declared a major emergency response due to the gas explosion in the building.
Firefighters on scene report a gas explosion and have requested additional units for assistance.
Citizen user video shows flames and smoke billowing out the windows of an apartment on the top floor. Firefighters are arriving on the scene.
Firefighters are responding to a reported fire in a multi-unit building.
Firefighters have received a report of an odor of gas in an apartment.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at 3485 Bivona St.
Prosecutors say Samuel Calderon allegedly disconnected and removed a stove from his ex-girlfriend’s apartment with the intent to trade it for crack cocaine, triggering a gas leak that led to the fatal explosion and fire at the Boston Secor Houses.
Police have charged a 55-year-old unhoused man named Samuel Calderon with multiple counts of Murder, Assault, and other offenses.
The NYPD has announced an arrest in connection the blaze that killed at least one person and injured multiple occupants.
Police have identified the victim as Ronald McCallister, a 60-year-old man from the Bronx, NY.
Updates from Mayor Mamdani's press conference indicate one person was killed, and fifteen people were injured in the fire.
Secondary searches on the 15th and 17th floors are complete, with no additional people found.
A structural engineer from the Department of Buildings has been requested to assess the scene.
Firefighters confirm one additional fatality at the scene, bringing the total to two.
Secondary searches in several apartments on the 17th floor are complete, with no additional people found.
An update from FDNY states one person was pronounced dead. Three people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and one person sustained life-threatening injuries.
Radio clips available.
Firefighters report one civilian with critical injuries is being transported, while two others and one firefighter are in serious condition.
Firefighters report progress in knocking down the fire, with two lines stretched and a manifold set up.
Video shared by a Citizen user shows flames and smoke billowing from the apartment building as fire crews work to extinguish the blaze and free trapped residents.
Firefighters confirm multiple people are trapped following the explosion. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Firefighters are advised to use caution due to open elevator shafts caused by the explosion.
Firefighters are setting up a manifold and working to knock down the fire in the 17-story building.
Additional firefighting units are bringing equipment to the command post to support ongoing operations.
A person is reported to be out the window on the 18th floor, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
A person initially tagged for minor injuries is now in serious condition and being transported for medical care.
Special instructions have been issued for additional equipment to support firefighting efforts at the scene.
Rescue teams are heading to the 15th floor to assist with ongoing operations.
A command channel is now established for coordinating the response. Rescue efforts continue for a person trapped in the rear of the apartment.
Fire operations continue, with a mayday call for a missing firefighter. One person has been transported to a hospital.
Reports indicate people are hanging from windows, and rescue efforts are underway.
Additional rescue units are approximately five minutes away from the scene.
Firefighters have escalated the response to a fourth alarm due to the severity of the gas explosion.
Two additional fire engines are responding as a fourth alarm has been declared.
An ambulance is transporting a person with serious injuries to a medical facility.
Firefighters report the top floor of the building has been blown off due to the explosion.
Firefighters report that all elevators in the building are not functioning.
Firefighters have requested an ambulance to respond to a person in need of medical assistance at the scene.
Firefighters report multiple floors are involved in the fire.
Firefighters advise the fire was caused by a gas explosion.
Additional firefighting units are responding to assist with the second alarm at the scene.
Firefighters have issued a second alarm and are responding to reports of a person trapped inside.
Flames are visible on three floors of the structure.
Firefighters have declared a major emergency response due to the gas explosion in the building.
Firefighters on scene report a gas explosion and have requested additional units for assistance.
Citizen user video shows flames and smoke billowing out the windows of an apartment on the top floor. Firefighters are arriving on the scene.
Firefighters are responding to a reported fire in a multi-unit building.
Firefighters have received a report of an odor of gas in an apartment.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at 3485 Bivona St.
Prosecutors say Samuel Calderon allegedly disconnected and removed a stove from his ex-girlfriend’s apartment with the intent to trade it for crack cocaine, triggering a gas leak that led to the fatal explosion and fire at the Boston Secor Houses.
Police have charged a 55-year-old unhoused man named Samuel Calderon with multiple counts of Murder, Assault, and other offenses.
The NYPD has announced an arrest in connection the blaze that killed at least one person and injured multiple occupants.
Police have identified the victim as Ronald McCallister, a 60-year-old man from the Bronx, NY.
Updates from Mayor Mamdani's press conference indicate one person was killed, and fifteen people were injured in the fire.
Secondary searches on the 15th and 17th floors are complete, with no additional people found.
A structural engineer from the Department of Buildings has been requested to assess the scene.
Firefighters confirm one additional fatality at the scene, bringing the total to two.
Secondary searches in several apartments on the 17th floor are complete, with no additional people found.
An update from FDNY states one person was pronounced dead. Three people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and one person sustained life-threatening injuries.
Radio clips available.
Firefighters report one civilian with critical injuries is being transported, while two others and one firefighter are in serious condition.
Firefighters report progress in knocking down the fire, with two lines stretched and a manifold set up.
Video shared by a Citizen user shows flames and smoke billowing from the apartment building as fire crews work to extinguish the blaze and free trapped residents.
Firefighters confirm multiple people are trapped following the explosion. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Firefighters are advised to use caution due to open elevator shafts caused by the explosion.
Firefighters are setting up a manifold and working to knock down the fire in the 17-story building.
Additional firefighting units are bringing equipment to the command post to support ongoing operations.
A person is reported to be out the window on the 18th floor, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
A person initially tagged for minor injuries is now in serious condition and being transported for medical care.
Special instructions have been issued for additional equipment to support firefighting efforts at the scene.
Rescue teams are heading to the 15th floor to assist with ongoing operations.
A command channel is now established for coordinating the response. Rescue efforts continue for a person trapped in the rear of the apartment.
Fire operations continue, with a mayday call for a missing firefighter. One person has been transported to a hospital.
Reports indicate people are hanging from windows, and rescue efforts are underway.
Additional rescue units are approximately five minutes away from the scene.
Firefighters have escalated the response to a fourth alarm due to the severity of the gas explosion.
Two additional fire engines are responding as a fourth alarm has been declared.
An ambulance is transporting a person with serious injuries to a medical facility.
Firefighters report the top floor of the building has been blown off due to the explosion.
Firefighters report that all elevators in the building are not functioning.
Firefighters have requested an ambulance to respond to a person in need of medical assistance at the scene.
Firefighters report multiple floors are involved in the fire.
Firefighters advise the fire was caused by a gas explosion.
Additional firefighting units are responding to assist with the second alarm at the scene.
Firefighters have issued a second alarm and are responding to reports of a person trapped inside.
Flames are visible on three floors of the structure.
Firefighters have declared a major emergency response due to the gas explosion in the building.
Firefighters on scene report a gas explosion and have requested additional units for assistance.
Citizen user video shows flames and smoke billowing out the windows of an apartment on the top floor. Firefighters are arriving on the scene.
Firefighters are responding to a reported fire in a multi-unit building.
Firefighters have received a report of an odor of gas in an apartment.
A 911 caller has reported an unconfirmed incident at 3485 Bivona St.
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Download CitizenComments30
Fr we’re all human beings at the end of the day poor or rich no one deserves to die in a fire
@SafeCitizen911 That’s a terrible thing to say. Dying by fire is the worst. You don’t even know if their children. Man’s inhumanity to man.
absolute nightmare at any time but especially the night before this blizzard those poor people and pets <3
Omg all the victims and animals, so hard for the firefighters! God bless them 🙏🏽 all
@brooklynUser1465539002 the poor animals 💔
Cold weather here, people going to use their stove to keep warm. Cover all your windows with clear shower curtains and duct tape. Put a towel under door to stop draft from coming in. Keep heaters away from curtains. Do not use extension cords plug directly to wall outlets. I did this to keep warm. Anybody please post of ideas of keeping warm. Let's use this platform. Stay warm and safe, thanks.
@rave824 This is an old school remedy that works so good! You just can’t leave it and forget it’s on!!
Fr we’re all human beings at the end of the day poor or rich no one deserves to die in a fire
@SafeCitizen911 That’s a terrible thing to say. Dying by fire is the worst. You don’t even know if their children. Man’s inhumanity to man.
absolute nightmare at any time but especially the night before this blizzard those poor people and pets <3
Omg all the victims and animals, so hard for the firefighters! God bless them 🙏🏽 all
@brooklynUser1465539002 the poor animals 💔
Cold weather here, people going to use their stove to keep warm. Cover all your windows with clear shower curtains and duct tape. Put a towel under door to stop draft from coming in. Keep heaters away from curtains. Do not use extension cords plug directly to wall outlets. I did this to keep warm. Anybody please post of ideas of keeping warm. Let's use this platform. Stay warm and safe, thanks.
@rave824 This is an old school remedy that works so good! You just can’t leave it and forget it’s on!!
Fr we’re all human beings at the end of the day poor or rich no one deserves to die in a fire
@SafeCitizen911 That’s a terrible thing to say. Dying by fire is the worst. You don’t even know if their children. Man’s inhumanity to man.
absolute nightmare at any time but especially the night before this blizzard those poor people and pets <3
Omg all the victims and animals, so hard for the firefighters! God bless them 🙏🏽 all
@brooklynUser1465539002 the poor animals 💔
Cold weather here, people going to use their stove to keep warm. Cover all your windows with clear shower curtains and duct tape. Put a towel under door to stop draft from coming in. Keep heaters away from curtains. Do not use extension cords plug directly to wall outlets. I did this to keep warm. Anybody please post of ideas of keeping warm. Let's use this platform. Stay warm and safe, thanks.
@rave824 This is an old school remedy that works so good! You just can’t leave it and forget it’s on!!
Fr we’re all human beings at the end of the day poor or rich no one deserves to die in a fire
@SafeCitizen911 That’s a terrible thing to say. Dying by fire is the worst. You don’t even know if their children. Man’s inhumanity to man.
absolute nightmare at any time but especially the night before this blizzard those poor people and pets <3
Omg all the victims and animals, so hard for the firefighters! God bless them 🙏🏽 all
@brooklynUser1465539002 the poor animals 💔
Cold weather here, people going to use their stove to keep warm. Cover all your windows with clear shower curtains and duct tape. Put a towel under door to stop draft from coming in. Keep heaters away from curtains. Do not use extension cords plug directly to wall outlets. I did this to keep warm. Anybody please post of ideas of keeping warm. Let's use this platform. Stay warm and safe, thanks.
@rave824 This is an old school remedy that works so good! You just can’t leave it and forget it’s on!!
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Fr we’re all human beings at the end of the day poor or rich no one deserves to die in a fire
@SafeCitizen911 That’s a terrible thing to say. Dying by fire is the worst. You don’t even know if their children. Man’s inhumanity to man.
absolute nightmare at any time but especially the night before this blizzard those poor people and pets <3
Omg all the victims and animals, so hard for the firefighters! God bless them 🙏🏽 all
@brooklynUser1465539002 the poor animals 💔
Cold weather here, people going to use their stove to keep warm. Cover all your windows with clear shower curtains and duct tape. Put a towel under door to stop draft from coming in. Keep heaters away from curtains. Do not use extension cords plug directly to wall outlets. I did this to keep warm. Anybody please post of ideas of keeping warm. Let's use this platform. Stay warm and safe, thanks.
@rave824 This is an old school remedy that works so good! You just can’t leave it and forget it’s on!!