• A massive fire broke out after a gas explosion in the upper floors of a Bronx building
• Dozens of apartments were damaged, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion

A gas explosion triggered a huge fire in a high-rise residential building in New York City, leaving one person dead and 14 others injured.

The fire engulfed parts of the upper floors of the 17-story building in the Bronx, where residents were seen waving from windows, calling for help, according to authorities.

Fire Chief John Esposito said around ten apartments sustained major damage, adding that firefighters were investigating reports of a gas smell on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred.

The incident happened as temperatures in the city dropped below -10°C overnight, increasing the difficulty of rescue operations.

Officials confirmed that the building was undergoing renovations, and the natural gas system work had been completed and inspected prior to the incident, while the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Leila Bozorg, deputy mayor for housing and planning, said: "It’s a major tragedy. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims."

The incident occurred on Saturday, with more than 200 fire and emergency personnel participating in firefighting operations.

Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said: "There were injuries, and it was an extremely cold and difficult night, which added to the challenge of dealing with the incident."

Authorities did not immediately release the identity of the person who died in the fire.

Around half a million New Yorkers live in older buildings managed by the city’s housing authority, known as NYCHA, which is the largest in the country.