Cause of NYC Explosion: Gas Leak Triggers Massive Fire on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

A terrifying explosion rocked Manhattan’s Upper East Side on the morning of Friday, August 15, 2025, causing a massive fire at a pre-war apartment building on East 95th Street. The blaze, which quickly escalated into a three-alarm emergency, sent thick black smoke into the city skyline and required the urgent response of over 170 firefighters and emergency personnel.

According to city officials and eyewitnesses, the fire began shortly after 10 a.m. at 305 E 95th Street, a red-brick, six-story apartment complex between First and Second Avenues. Initial reports suggested an explosion occurred moments before flames erupted from the building’s rooftop.

“I heard an explosion from my building just opposite the fire, and looked outside and saw all the smoke in the skies,” said Joann Sowma, a resident who witnessed the incident.

What Caused the NYC Explosion and Fire on East 95th Street?

The cause of the explosion was traced to a gas buildup in the building’s basement, according to fire officials speaking to local media outlets. The fire quickly spread upward, igniting the top floors and eventually reaching the roof deck.

The building’s superintendent was in the basement at the time of the explosion and sustained minor injuries. He is currently being treated, according to the FDNY. Additionally, three firefighters also suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze.

Citizen reports noted that furniture and other combustibles might have contributed to the volume of smoke seen billowing from the rooftop.

How Did the FDNY Respond?

Firefighter David Martinez, 38, shared that crews had to go room to room, fighting extreme heat and thick smoke.

“We were going room to room, I was at the end of the hose trying to keep it down… it was so hot,” said Martinez, a former Marine. He added that while the exact ignition point remains under investigation, fire marshals now have the incident under control.

Footage from the scene showed firefighters on ladders spraying water onto the burning rooftop. Multiple FDNY ladder trucks, EMS units, and support vehicles were deployed in one of the largest coordinated responses in recent months.

Why It Matters: Urban Gas Safety Concerns in NYC

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gas line safety in aging buildings across New York City. Constructed in 1910, the affected apartment building is over a century old. The fire’s rapid spread and the explosion raise serious questions about the integrity of gas lines, ventilation systems, and early-warning mechanisms in similar structures.

Kaz Daughtry, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, urged the public to avoid the area and follow official channels for updates. His statement on social media emphasized the professionalism of the FDNY and first responders in containing the situation despite the dangers involved.

What’s Next? Investigation Underway

The New York City Fire Department has confirmed that fire marshals are actively investigating the exact sequence of events leading to the explosion and fire. While no occupants were reported in the top-floor units during the blaze, the building’s full structural integrity and safety will be evaluated in the coming days.

As the area remains partially cordoned off, traffic disruptions and emergency access restrictions are still in place. City engineers and safety inspectors are expected to conduct further assessments to determine whether residents can return to their homes and how soon.

The cause of the NYC explosion continues to be investigated, but the immediate danger has been controlled. No fatalities were reported, and residents are urged to remain vigilant about unusual gas odors or sounds in older residential buildings.

For your information:

What caused the NYC gas explosion in August 2025?
The explosion was caused by a buildup of gas in the basement of a six-story apartment building on East 95th Street, Manhattan. This led to a large fire that spread to the rooftop.

Were there any injuries in the Upper East Side fire?
Yes, the building’s superintendent and three firefighters sustained minor injuries during the explosion and firefighting efforts.

How many personnel responded to the NYC explosion?
Approximately 170 firefighters and EMS personnel were deployed to handle the three-alarm blaze.

Was anyone inside the burning units at the time?
Reports confirmed that no residents were inside the top-floor apartments when the fire broke out.

What is a three-alarm fire?
A three-alarm fire refers to a serious emergency requiring extensive resources, including multiple fire engines, ladder trucks, and specialized firefighting teams.

How old is the building where the explosion happened?
The building at 305 E 95th Street was constructed in 1910, making it over 100 years old. It includes six floors and a rooftop deck.