Early Saturday morning, a powerful gas explosion sparked a strong fire in a Bronx high-rise apartment building, killing one person and injuring 14 others as frigid temperatures gripped the city, officials said.

The incident unfolded before 12:30 a.m. on the upper floors of a 17-story building, sending flames and smoke from windows while residents called for help. 

Fire crews were already responding to reports of a strong gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred, according to New York Fire Department Chief of Department John Esposito.

Firefighters found extensive structural damage affecting roughly a dozen apartments and active fires in units near the top of the building. 

One person died in the incident, but officials did not immediately release their identity, the Associated Press reported.

Among the injured, one individual was in critical condition, five were seriously hurt, and eight others sustained minor injuries.