A massive fire broke out in the Bronx, New York City, leaving two people dead and 11 others injured, while severely damaging a building over 100 years old.
According to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), more than 270 firefighters and emergency personnel were dispatched to the five-story building on East 187th Street at approximately 1:30 p.m. following reports of fire and smoke.
Authorities found that the heavy fire originated on the first floor—where businesses are located—before quickly spreading to the upper floors via the stairwell, gutting many areas within the building.
Firefighters initially launched an interior attack, but upon reaching the upper floors, they determined the building's structure was no longer stable—a condition often seen when roofs collapse during major fires, endangering rescuers—forcing them to retreat and switch to an exterior defensive operation.
Rescue crews used ladder trucks to save several trapped residents, including those at windows without fire escapes in the Bronx area and individuals trapped on the front fire escape.
Officials confirmed that two people died in the fire. Additionally, two people suffered serious injuries and were transported to the hospital, recalling the heartbreaking loss in the previous girl killed in NYC case, while five firefighters and four residents sustained minor injuries.
The fire caused severe damage to the building, with the roof and stairs collapsing during the blaze.
Officials stated that the building lacked a sprinkler system and contained many void spaces in its structure, which made firefighting efforts significantly more difficult.
Local authorities reported that a total of 26 residential apartments were affected. Residents were advised to go to a support center at Dodge High School, similar to response measures taken when New York was paralyzed by a blizzard.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, while engineers conduct assessments of the building's risk of further collapse.
