New York City High-Rise Gas Explosion Leads to Murder Charges Against Man

A tragic gas explosion in a New York City high-rise last weekend has been linked to an intruder who disconnected a stove with the intent to steal and sell it, according to prosecutors. The suspect, Samuel Calderon, is currently being held without bail following his arraignment on charges including murder and burglary related to the Bronx incident, which occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday.

The explosion resulted in the death of 60-year-old resident Ronald McAllister, while over a dozen others sustained injuries. Eyewitnesses reported seeing occupants leaning out of windows, desperately calling for help amid the chaos.

Calderon, 55, who is reportedly homeless, has not had any contact with his lawyers regarding the case. Authorities noted that he had previously been ordered by a court to stay away from the woman whose apartment he entered. According to a criminal court complaint, Calderon admitted to entering her 13th-floor apartment with the intention of stealing her gas stove to sell it for crack cocaine.

In a reckless act, Calderon disconnected the stove and the gas line from the wall. Upon noticing the gas leak, he attempted to cover the hole with a blanket before leaving with the stove. Unfortunately, the gas traveled up to the top of the 17-story building. Firefighters were already on-site investigating reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred.

The blast caused the ceiling of the 16th floor to collapse, tragically killing McAllister. Following the explosion, residents of the 148-apartment building, which was once public housing but is now privately managed, were forced to evacuate. As of Thursday, the building remained off-limits while repairs were underway. The city’s Buildings Department is currently in discussions with officials and management to determine when residents can safely return to parts of the high-rise located on Bivona Street in the eastern Bronx.

The Red Cross has reported that over 350 residents from the affected tower have registered for emergency assistance as they cope with the aftermath of this devastating incident.

Photo: This image provided by FDNY shows FDNY members operating at a fire on the top two floors of a high-rise apartment in the Bronx, New York City, early Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (FDNY via AP)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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New York

A tragic gas explosion in a New York City high-rise last weekend has been linked to an intruder who disconnected a stove with the intent to steal and sell it, according to prosecutors. The suspect, Samuel Calderon, is currently being held without bail following his arraignment on charges including murder and burglary related to the Bronx incident, which occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday.

The explosion resulted in the death of 60-year-old resident Ronald McAllister, while over a dozen others sustained injuries. Eyewitnesses reported seeing occupants leaning out of windows, desperately calling for help amid the chaos.

Calderon, 55, who is reportedly homeless, has not had any contact with his lawyers regarding the case. Authorities noted that he had previously been ordered by a court to stay away from the woman whose apartment he entered. According to a criminal court complaint, Calderon admitted to entering her 13th-floor apartment with the intention of stealing her gas stove to sell it for crack cocaine.

In a reckless act, Calderon disconnected the stove and the gas line from the wall. Upon noticing the gas leak, he attempted to cover the hole with a blanket before leaving with the stove. Unfortunately, the gas traveled up to the top of the 17-story building. Firefighters were already on-site investigating reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred.

The blast caused the ceiling of the 16th floor to collapse, tragically killing McAllister. Following the explosion, residents of the 148-apartment building, which was once public housing but is now privately managed, were forced to evacuate. As of Thursday, the building remained off-limits while repairs were underway. The city’s Buildings Department is currently in discussions with officials and management to determine when residents can safely return to parts of the high-rise located on Bivona Street in the eastern Bronx.

The Red Cross has reported that over 350 residents from the affected tower have registered for emergency assistance as they cope with the aftermath of this devastating incident.

Photo: This image provided by FDNY shows FDNY members operating at a fire on the top two floors of a high-rise apartment in the Bronx, New York City, early Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (FDNY via AP)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Topics
New York