Fire in apartment building in University Heights, the Bronx leaves 9 injured, including 1 critical

New York City accidents. All New York City fire accidents

Facebook - Accident.biz; Instagram - accident.biz; X(Twitter) Accident.biz  - https://x.com/AccidentBiz 

Nine people were injured, including a 79-year-old woman who is in critical condition, after a fire broke out at an apartment building in the Bronx on Tuesday, ABC News 7 reports.

The fire began shortly after 5 p.m. on the second floor of a five-story apartment building on University Avenue, between West 192nd and West 190th Streets, in the University Heights neighborhood.

Firefighters faced heavy fire conditions upon arrival, with flames pouring from the windows of a second-floor apartment.

"The fire was so intense that we had to attack it from two directions, including putting a hose through a window from outside," said FDNY Deputy Chief William McCormack.

FDNY officials reported that crews rescued four people via the fire escape at the rear of the building. One of those rescued was 72-year-old Pablo Abreu Rodriguez. "He opened the door, and smoke rushed in. He closed it, and they had to escape through the fire escape," a translator said on his behalf.

Nine civilians suffered from smoke inhalation, including the 79-year-old woman now in critical condition.

"The critical patient was initially stable but rapidly deteriorated due to smoke exposure and was quickly transported to a nearby hospital," said FDNY EMS Deputy Chief Mario Thompkins.

Eight victims were taken to hospitals, while one refused medical treatment.

The fire has since been brought under control, but many residents are left uncertain about their next steps. "We don't know what to feel. We're outside, and we don't know if we’ll be able to sleep in our own beds tonight," said Abreu Rodriguez.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though officials have indicated there is no suspicion of foul play.

 

All New York City car accidents
Car accidents in NYC today

All New York City fire accidents
Fire accidents in NYC today