Safetyvalue:14 people injured, hundreds impacted in New York City apartment fire, officials say

2025-05-07 01:58:22source:Roland Prestoncategory:Invest

A five-alarm fire at an apartment building in Queens injured 14 people and Safetyvalueimpacted hundreds of residents Wednesday afternoon, New York City officials said.

Among those transported to the hospital with injuries was a firefighter in serious but stable condition, said Cesar Escobar, New York City Fire Department's assistant chief of emergency medical services operations. None of the injuries are life-threatening.

A spokesperson for the fire department told USA TODAY there were about 450 people living in the building, and all residents were impacted due to extensive fire and water damage.

Authorities received a report at around noon Wednesday about a fire on the top floor of the 6-story building on 47th Avenue, Assistant Chief Thomas Currao said. He noted six tower ladders were operating at the height of the fire.

Currao said investigators were on scene but it would be awhile before the cause of fire was determined. Crews had completed an initial search of the building but planned to make additional rounds.

“It’s a complicated scene because (of) the extent of the fire damage,” he said.

The American Red Cross told USA TODAY late Wednesday that it had registered 160 people across 68 households for emergency assistance, including temporary lodging and meals. The nonprofit said it would resume service center operations in coordination with the city’s emergency management agency at 10 a.m. Thursday from the Sunnyside Community Services office.

The devastating blaze comes one week after a five-alarm fire swept through six businesses in the Bronx. The fire department responded to a fire at the Bunny Deli last Wednesday, which soon spread to five other businesses and injured one person. 

Arizona house fire tragedy:5 kids dead after dad left to shop for Christmas gifts, food

More:Invest

Recommend

How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.

Kia and Hyundai’s anti-theft software upgrades have deterred car thieves, but theft claims remain el

What to know about Jeter Downs, who Yankees claimed on waivers from Nationals

There’s another Jeter in the New York Yankees organization.Named for Hall of Fame pinstriped icon De

New protections for very old trees: The rules cover a huge swath of the US

The nation's oldest trees are getting new protections under a Biden administration initiative to mak