Brooklyn basement fire claims life of retired MTA worker despite neighbors’ rescue attempts.

A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Flatlands, Brooklyn, where a 66-year-old retired MTA worker, Patrick Kirton, lost his life in a basement fire that devastated his family home. According to officials, the fire broke out around 6:35 PM on East 40th Street, near Avenue I, and despite the brave attempts of neighbors and first responders, Kirton was unable to escape.

Upon learning that Kirton was trapped, neighbor Rodneil Harris rushed to help, responding to a call for assistance from Kirton’s wife. Harris attempted to open the locked basement door but was met with overwhelming smoke that forced him to retreat outside for air. Along with two young boys from the neighborhood, Harris eventually managed to kick down the door, only to be confronted by an impenetrable wall of smoke. Witnesses described the scene as dark and foreboding, with smoke filling the space like a void.

Portia Niles, another neighbor, observed the chaotic scene and noted the difficulty faced by Harris and the boys as they emerged from the basement, coughing and gasping for breath. With smoke thick in the air, any further attempts to enter were futile. When emergency services arrived, they worked swiftly to remove Kirton from the premises. Approximately 60 firefighters and emergency medical service personnel were deployed to the scene.

Kirton and an 86-year-old woman, also trapped in the fire, were rushed to Kings County Hospital. Eyewitnesses indicated that Kirton was critically injured and unconscious as first responders performed CPR en route to the hospital. Although he was alive upon arrival, Kirton succumbed to his injuries later. The elderly woman, who suffered from smoke inhalation, is expected to recover.

The fire caused significant damage, blowing out windows and leaving debris strewn across the ground. Following the incident, several residents from the affected building were displaced, with fire crews bringing the blaze under control by approximately 7:19 PM.

In the aftermath, community members expressed their sorrow over the loss of Kirton, who was recognized as a prominent figure in the neighborhood, having retired from his role at the New York City Transit Authority a few years prior. Neighbors remembered him fondly, recalling his humor and warmth, as they shared stories of their interactions with him. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the FDNY fire marshals.

This incident underscores the importance of fire safety and preparedness in residential areas, as well as the vital role community ties play during emergencies. Residents continue to mourn the loss of Kirton, reflecting on his contributions to their lives and the neighborhood at large.