The two-alarm fire broke out around 9:40 p.m. at La Roka Barber Shop on West Burnside Avenue in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx.
Officials said a 29-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Three other men, ages 49, 51 and 52, were hospitalized in stable condition.
Video from the scene showed the inside of the barbershop completely charred following the fire. Ming Wong Chinese restaurant, located next door, was also damaged.
A man who said he is a customer at the barbershop told Eyewitness News he rushed toward the fire after hearing a woman screaming and tried to help her.
FDNY fire officials remained at the scene assessing the damage. Debris could be seen scattered across the sidewalk, and two electric scooters were recovered from the scene.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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