Officials say six people lost their lives in a major blaze at a residential building in Brooklyn, New York City. Several more were injured in the fire, which began early on Thursday, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) said in a statement.
Large response to Sunset Park building blaze
More than 230 fire and emergency medical workers were sent to the area near Sunset Park after the fire was first reported at about 01:40 local time, which is 06:40 GMT. When crews arrived, they reportedly found the first and second floors already engulfed in flames.
The FDNY said four people were pronounced dead at the scene. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) later said a man and a woman taken to hospital were also pronounced dead there.
Injuries, hazardous materials and cause under review
Among six other civilians hurt, two were in critical condition, while three firefighters were also injured, the FDNY said. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “heartbroken” by the deaths and asked New Yorkers to keep those who were injured in their prayers.
A hazardous materials team was dispatched because a lithium-ion battery was present, but it was not clear whether the battery was connected to the blaze. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
