A fierce blaze whipped through several homes in Queens on Sunday afternoon, injuring a total of 14 individuals, including 12 firefighters.
Emergency services were alerted to a fire that had engulfed two residences on 93rd Street, situated between Astoria Boulevard and 30th Street in East Elmhurst, shortly before 3 p.m., as reported by FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore during a press briefing.
Bonsignore indicated that the fire escalated rapidly, transforming into a four-alarm incident, which saw around 230 firefighters and paramedics responding to the scene.
Chief John Esposito mentioned that the flames originated at the rear of the structure and swiftly traveled to the front, aided by strong winds.
As firefighters initiated their investigation into the swiftly growing fire, some residents found themselves trapped “on fire.”
A total of 12 firefighters were hospitalized, with three suffering potentially serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, nine others experienced minor injuries, according to FDNY officials.
Two residents from the affected home were also reported injured and taken to the hospital.
Esposito noted that one firefighter had to utilize a personal safety system, which included an emergency escape rope, and was among those injured but not critically.
Other firefighters managed to evacuate the second floor using portable ladders to protect themselves as the fire intensified.
“This fire broke out so quickly that it became a very serious situation for us, and our members had no time to think and had to flee to save their lives,” Bonsignore stated to reporters.
The extensive fire was eventually brought under control.
According to officials, there was “significant” damage to two buildings, while a third experienced minor damage. A garage located behind the building was also destroyed.
The Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
