BRONX, New York – At least 19 people were killed, and dozens are in serious condition, from a fire that broke out in a residential building in the Bronx on Sunday.
About 200 firefighters responded to the five-alarm blaze, which occurred on the third floor of a 19-story residential building at 333 East 181st Street in Fordham Heights, according to the FDNY.
Approximately 200 FDNY members are operating on scene of a 5-alarm fire at 333 East 181 Street in the Bronx. There are currently 31 serious injuries to civilians. pic.twitter.com/yrTYwOfonH
— FDNY (@FDNY) January 9, 2022
19 dead so far
At least 19 people have died, including 9 children, after a terrible fire broke out in a Bronx apartment building Sunday morning, according to reports.
In all, more than 60 people were injured in the fire. Among the dead is a 4-year-old boy, the New York Post reported .
The injuries were reported to be mostly due to “severe smoke inhalation.” There were also several children among the injured.
An “unprecedented” fire
Mayor Eric Adams was on the scene Sunday, calling the fire “a horrible and painful time for New York City.”
FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said during a press conference that a door to the apartment building was left open, causing the fire and smoke to spread.
“The smoke conditions in this building are unprecedented,” said Nigro.
The official compared it to the 1990 Happy Land nightclub fire that killed 87 people.
The causes of the fire have not been disclosed, but authorities say it does not appear to be a criminal incident.