Nine people injured, one critically, in a house fire in Queens.
A devastating house fire in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens resulted in one fatality and injured ten others on Monday night. According to reports from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the incident unfolded at approximately 6:44 p.m. on Dongan Avenue near Broadway. The fire originated within a residential property, leading to the structure’s eventual collapse and allowing the flames to spread to an adjacent home, which was likewise severely damaged.
More than 230 firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene as the situation escalated into a four-alarm fire. Eyewitness accounts describe an intense scene filled with smoke and flames. Initial findings from the FDNY indicated that a 34-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man was reported in critical condition, one child was in serious condition, and five other individuals sustained minor injuries. Additionally, three firefighters were treated for minor injuries during their efforts to combat the blaze.
Neighbors reported distressing scenes as the fire rapidly consumed both dwellings. Subash Gurung, a resident living nearby, remarked on the overwhelming intensity of the situation, noting that the smoke and flames rendered it too dangerous to approach the scene. There were indications that the home where the fire started had been subdivided into multiple living units. Local resident Olga Jimenez recounted observing a family with a newborn girl residing in the basement of the affected property. She expressed her concern over the fate of the occupants amidst the chaos, particularly a woman and her infant, as they attempted to escape.
The neighborhood was left shaken as community members tried to ascertain the safety of those still unaccounted for. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the community rallies together to support those impacted by this tragic event. Fire officials are expected to conduct a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that led to the rapid spread of the flames and the resulting casualties.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by residential fires and the importance of fire safety measures within community housing. As the smoke clears, local leaders and organizations are likely to discuss strategies for enhancing safety protocols in residential areas to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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