Binghamton Apartment House Evacuated After Residents Hear “Boom”

There were some frightening moments for residents of a three-story apartment building on Binghamton's West Side following what sounded like an explosion.

City police and firefighters were sent to 43 Orton Avenue around 8:10 a.m. Thursday. Residents reported the basement was filling with smoke after they heard a loud "boom."

When the first emergency units arrived at the scene, a "light haze" could be seen in the basement. Windows were opened to help ventilate the building.

Firefighters went through the apartment house to evacuate all occupants of its 13 units. They also checked every apartment for elevated gas readings. No problems were detected.

NYSEG crews were called to evaluate the situation. Natural gas service was shut off while the matter was investigated.

Authorities said the trouble appeared to have been the result of a mechanical problem with the building's furnace. They said there was no fire.

Property records show the building at Orton Avenue and Grand Boulevard is owned by an LLC in Brooklyn.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Emergency crews assessed the situation in the basement of an apartment house at 43 Orton Avenue on May 7, 2026.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.