Bronx, NY (May 7, 2026) – Two people were killed following a large apartment fire on Wednesday morning in the Mott Haven area of the Bronx.
Emergency units responded around 5 a.m. to Third Avenue near East 140th Street after reports of a structure fire involving a deli and apartments above it. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy flames coming from the ground-floor business and the upper residential area.
Officials said fire conditions were severe, forcing responders to temporarily withdraw from the building due to concerns about a possible structural collapse. After the fire was brought under control, one man was found dead inside an apartment.
During continued search operations on Thursday, emergency crews located a second body in an area of the structure where part of the ceiling had collapsed. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
The building sustained extensive damage as crews worked to extinguish the fire and secure the area.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
Why Structural Collapse Risks Increase During Large Apartment Fires
Large fires in mixed-use buildings can become especially dangerous when flames spread between commercial and residential spaces. Intense heat may weaken floors, ceilings, and support structures, increasing the risk of collapse during firefighting operations.
When collapse hazards are present, emergency crews may be forced to temporarily pull back until conditions improve. Search operations can also take longer if debris blocks access to parts of the structure.
Investigators typically examine burn patterns, electrical systems, and possible ignition sources after major apartment fires. Damage to the building can make it more difficult to determine the fire’s origin, especially when structural sections collapse during the incident.
