Part of a 20-story residential building in the Bronx collapsed on Wednesday following an apparent explosion in a boiler room ventilation shaft.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as many residents had already left and children were at school.

Witnesses described a loud boom and smoke rising from the building, while rubble and a vertical scar were visible along its facade.

Mayor Eric Adams and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson praised first responders for preventing a major disaster, the BBC has reported.

Officials noted the building had several non-safety violations, including boiler-related ones, but it is unclear if they contributed to the incident.