A pre-dawn fire tore through a two-story residential building in New York’s Brooklyn borough, killing six people and injuring seven others, including three firefighters. More than 200 emergency responders rushed to the scene as investigators began examining the cause of the deadly blaze.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES – BBC
NEW YORK: Six people were killed and seven others injured after a massive fire engulfed a residential building in Brooklyn, New York City, early Thursday morning, November 5, authorities said.
The three-alarm fire broke out at around 1:40 a.m. local time in a two-story home on 58th Street in the Sunset Park neighborhood. Flames rapidly spread through the building, prompting a major emergency response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
More than 230 firefighters and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the scene. Fire crews arriving at the property found flames spreading across multiple floors and pouring through the building’s windows.
According to fire officials, four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others died after being taken to hospital in critical condition.
Seven other people were injured, including four civilians and three firefighters. Authorities said the injured were receiving medical attention.
Firefighters also rescued four people from the burning property, including two residents trapped behind window bars at the rear of the building. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about three hours of firefighting operations.
The fire also damaged an adjoining property, and emergency assistance provided temporary accommodation for eight displaced residents.
Lithium-ion battery under investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire. Fire marshals are investigating the incident, paying particular attention to a lithium-ion battery found at the scene.
A hazardous-materials team was dispatched as a precaution following the discovery. However, officials have not confirmed whether the battery was connected to the fire.
The incident has renewed concerns about fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly those used in electric bicycles and other rechargeable devices.
Mayor expresses grief
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, describing the incident as devastating for the affected families and the Sunset Park community.
He praised the emergency responders for their efforts and urged residents to keep the victims and injured in their thoughts.
The mayor also highlighted the importance of fire safety, noting the growing number of lithium-ion battery incidents across New York City.
The identities of the six people killed had not been publicly released at the time of reporting.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
