Fire Breaks Out at Broadway Theater in NYC

A fire erupted on Monday at the historic Eugene O’Neill Theater in New York City, where the popular play “The Book of Mormon” is currently being shown, according to officials.

Dozens of units from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) arrived at the scene on 49th Street around 10 a.m. to tackle the three-alarm blaze, as stated by FDNY Deputy Chief David Sims during a news conference.

“This was a deep-seated fire that involved a lot of electrical equipment,” Sims explained. “The access was quite challenging.”

More than 200 first responders were on hand to address the incident. The fire reportedly started in an electrical room located between the fourth and fifth floors. After the main fire was put out, further flames were discovered extending between the fifth floor and the roof.

Sims noted, “There’s considerable damage on the fourth floor and in the electrical room, where fixtures and chandeliers are situated.” One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. Thankfully, everyone in the theater staff was accounted for. The building will remain closed for repairs while the city’s Department of Buildings conducts an investigation.

The Eugene O’Neill Theater has been hosting “The Book of Mormon” since 2011. It’s uncertain how this incident will impact upcoming performances.

Hotel guests nearby had to evacuate as firefighters battled the flames. One tourist, Chrissy Giffin, recounted, “I quickly got dressed and rushed down the stairs.”