Part of New York City apartment building collapses

It said it was responding to a report of a gas explosion that collapsed an incinerator shaft in the 20-storey building in the Bronx.

Authorities said no residential units were affected.

The building is city-owned public housing.

Mayor Eric Adams said he was briefed about the emergency and officials were still getting a full assessment.

"Please avoid the area for your safety," he wrote on X.

Video from the scene shows a high-rise with one corner collapsed from the ground floor to the roof. 

Videos by nearby residents showed a cloud of dust billowing over the block moments after the collapse, which happened about 8.10am.

Incinerator shafts in New York City buildings were once used to dispose of rubbish, which was then burned on site.

But they have largely been replaced with trash compactors, which can use the same chutes.