Eyewitness News is told the three children -- ages seven, 15 and 16 -- were alone in the apartment where the fire started. They were conscious when firefighters arrived, and taken to Jacobi Medical Center.
Officials say at least 16 firefighters were also treated for minor injuries sustained battling the fierce flames.
Scores of residents were evacuated, and watched their homes burn from a distance. MTA buses were brought in to temporarily house the homeless.
"There was a lot of screaming, there was a big fire...." said resident Emily Pagin.
"The flames were just out the building and going up the roof," fire victim Jeanette Clark said.
Officials say some 200 residents, from 55 apartments, were left temporarily homeless from the fire.
Fire marshals are investigating the exact cause.
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WEB PRODUCED BY: Lakisha Bostick
