95-year-old woman dies, 6-year-old girl critically injured in Queens house fire.
A tragic incident in Queens has left one elderly woman dead and a young child critically injured following a house fire on Sunday morning. The fire erupted in the cellar of a residence located at 202nd Street near 113th Avenue in St. Albans around 7:50 a.m., as confirmed by officials from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).
Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters discovered a 95-year-old woman, her 68-year-old relative, and a 6-year-old girl unconscious and in cardiac arrest. Neighbors have identified the elderly victims as the grandmother and great-grandmother of the young child. Emergency medics promptly transported the victims to Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital. Unfortunately, the 95-year-old woman could not be saved, while her relative remains in critical but stable condition. The young girl was taken to Cohen Children’s Medical Center and is currently reported to be in critical condition.
The firefighting crew worked diligently to bring the intense blaze under control, a process that took approximately 50 minutes. Fire officials have stated that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, with no immediate conclusions drawn regarding its origins.
This incident is part of a worrying trend, as it marks one of at least seven unrelated fatal fires that have occurred across New York City since November 9. In each of these cases, an elderly individual was among the victims, raising concerns about fire safety for vulnerable populations. The causes of these recent fires have varied, with possible factors including faulty electrical wiring, problems with extension cords, candles left unattended, and accidental cooking incidents. Authorities have emphasized that, at this time, none of these fires are considered suspicious.
As investigations continue, the community is left mourning the loss of life and grappling with the implications of fire safety for its residents. Local officials and fire safety advocates are expected to intensify outreach efforts to educate families on fire prevention and safety measures, particularly for the elderly and those with young children at home. The need for robust fire safety protocols becomes increasingly apparent in light of this tragic event, underscoring the importance of preventative measures in safeguarding lives in the community.
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