A devastating fire ripped through a six-story apartment building in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan late Sunday night, killing three people, leaving five others in critical condition, and forcing more than a dozen families out of their homes.
Firefighters responded just after midnight to Dyckman Street, between Vermilyea Avenue and Broadway, after reports of a fire on the second floor of the building.
What happened
More than 200 fire and EMS personnel were deployed to the scene. Despite the massive response, three people were found dead upon arrival.
Five others were rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Four more suffered moderate to minor injuries. A firefighter was also injured, though his condition is described as minor.
None of the victims have been publicly identified.
Families displaced
More than a dozen families have been left homeless following the blaze. The American Red Cross is on the ground assisting displaced residents.
Video from the scene showed people attempting to escape using fire escapes as flames consumed the building.
One detail that may have made a difference
Fire officials noted that apartments with closed doors sustained significantly less damage — a stark reminder of a public safety message pushed just days earlier following another deadly fire in the Bronx.
“Close Before You Doze” has been a recurring fire safety campaign, and this incident appears to be fresh evidence of why it matters.
Investigation ongoing
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No official determination has been made.
