Six Dead and Nine Injured in Brooklyn Residential Building Fire

Six people died and nine others were injured after a major fire broke out in a residential building in the Sunset Park neighbourhood of Brooklyn early on Thursday morning. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed that three firefighters were among those hurt during the emergency response.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the initial call was received at approximately 1:40 a.m. local time (06:40 GMT). Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames that had already engulfed both the first and second floors of the residential structure.

More than 230 fire and emergency medical personnel were deployed to contain the blaze and attend to victims. FDNY officials stated that four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other victims, a male and a female, were evacuated to a nearby hospital, where medical staff later pronounced them dead, according to information released by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Six additional civilians suffered injuries in the incident, with two reported to be in critical condition. Three firefighters also sustained injuries while conducting suppression and rescue operations at the building.

The cause of the fatal blaze remains under investigation by local authorities. A specialized hazardous materials crew was called to the location after emergency responders identified the presence of a lithium-ion battery. Fire officials noted that it has not yet been established whether the battery was connected to the outbreak of the fire.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a statement expressing condolences following the tragedy, stating he was heartbroken by the deaths and asking residents to pray for the recovery of the injured. Investigators from the fire department and police department are continuing their work at the site to determine how the fire began.

Written by Thomas Nussbaumer thomas.nussbaumer@alpineweekly.com