The fire broke out in the six-story building just before 3 a.m. Monday on Elmhurst Avenue in Elmhurst.
A resident described what happened as soon as the fire alarms went off.
"The neighbors were just knocking, banging on the doors, telling everyone to wake up. I opened the door and I saw a little bit of smoke come out," said Anthony Vazquez, resident. "Once the firefighters came, the whole hall was just black."
A 30-year-old man remains in critical condition and a 36-year-old woman suffered minor injuries.
A 50-year-old man was killed, but his identity has not yet been released.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
----------
* More Queens news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube