Fire in the Bronx follows reports of explosion at apartment building in Norwood; 1 person found dead
NORWOOD, Bronx (WABC) — One person was found dead inside an apartment building in the in the Norwood section of the Bronx after as FDNY crews continue to battle an out-of-control fire on Wednesday.
The fire was first reported on the second floor of a building at 374 East 209th St. shortly after noon. It reached 5 alarms just before 2 p.m. and was still not under control as of 4:30 p.m.
Several residents had to be rescued, but it wasn’t until five hours after fire started that search and rescue teams discovered one person dead inside the building.
In addition, FDNY officials said eight civilians were injured, including two with life-threatening injuries, another two with serious injuries and four with minor injuries. Six firefighters were also injured, including three with serious injuries and another three with minor injuries.
Among those critically injured was a 48-year-old woman who was rushed to Jacobi hospital.
One of those injured is a child under 1 years old, but their injuries were believed to be minor.
“The firefighters were rescuing people from the building and EMS was providing lifesaving treatment right on the scene, saving multiple lives,” said FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore.
Residents nearby say they heard a big boom and that it felt like an earthquake.
The man who lives right next door to the unit said the explosion caused his ceiling to collapse on him.
He helped the woman who lives there get to safety, but when he went inside her apartment, he says her kitchen was up in flames.
FDNY officials said more than 300 firefighters responded and the fire was at a very difficult location to get into.
Authorities say the explosion blew hinges off the doors and window frames across the street.
They say that put rescue teams in an unusual and extremely dangerous situation. At one point, they were above the fire conducting searches, and had to be pulled out after the fire, which spread to three floors, caused the third floor to collapse into the second floor.
The American Red Cross said they have registered 13 households, including three children and 26 adults, for emergency assistance.
Officials say they do not know the origin of the explosion but Con Edison has shut off gas to the building.
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