Four individuals, including a three-year-old child, perished in a fire that resulted in a building collapse. The tragic incident occurred in Queens, New York City, where residents were forced to flee the engulfed home on Monday. Authorities confirmed that the young boy was found deceased inside the property, along with two adults suspected to be his parents.
Lillian Bonsignore, the Commissioner of the Fire Department New York (FDNY), expressed sorrow over the devastating event, noting the loss of three lives and the critical condition of several individuals hospitalized. Despite challenging conditions, the FDNY managed to extinguish the fire and rescue people effectively.
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the firefighting operation, while five civilians are undergoing medical evaluation following the incident. According to reports, three individuals had to jump from the building as the fire raged, while the child remained trapped inside due to a collapsed staircase.
The fire broke out around 12:30 pm, affecting the first and second floors of a three-story multi-family residence, leading to a structural collapse. The emergency escalated to a four-alarm situation, mobilizing over 230 firefighters and emergency personnel to the scene. Residents in the vicinity are advised to keep windows closed to avoid smoke inhalation as firefighting efforts continue.
Social media footage depicted a charred section of the building emitting thick smoke, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while urging drivers to steer clear of the affected area.