2 people killed in Bronx building fire; 11 others injured, including 5 firefighters
BELMONT, Bronx (WABC) -- Two people were killed and nearly a dozen others were injured during a fire in the Bronx on Tuesday afternoon.
It happened on East 187th Street between Belmont and Cambreleng avenues.
First responders were met with heavy fire on the first floor, which rapidly raced up the stairs, spreading to all floors of the five-story building.
The building is home to a barbershop and deli on the ground floor as well as six apartment units on floors two through five.
FDNY officials say firefighters extinguished fire on the first floor fours, but when they hit the top floor, the roof collapsed throughout a large portion of the building, as did part of the stairwell.
Firefighters then moved to exterior operations, and rescued several people in the back and front of the building, including a civilian who had to be rescued by firefighters from a window via a ladder. Several others were rescued from a fire escape.
Officials say two people were killed, two suffered serious injuries, four civilians suffered minor injuries and five firefighters also suffered minor injuries. They were taken to local hospitals.
Upwards of 250 firefighters and EMS personnel worked to bring the five-alarm fire under control just after 6:30 p.m.
The American Red Cross is supporting a reception center for residents who have been displaced from their homes. Residents in need of assistance can go to Crotona International High School.
The Red Cross has registered 20 households, including 21 children and 49 adults, so far.
There's no word yet on what caused the fire.
An investigation is underway.
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