In a Bronx apartment building, terror arose when a 19-floor duplex erupted in flames. Reports from the New York Times, authorities, and eyewitnesses state that the fire began shortly before 11am and was in full form by the time firefighters arrived at the scene just three minutes after being called. It really is saddening to see such a tragic event especially in a time period where all society needs is comfort and goodness. 9 children have been reported dead.
60+ are injured, and major officials state that the number is “likely to climb” over the next few days. Those in life-threatening situations were taken to five respective Bronx hospitals to receive immediate treatment. NYT reports that there were “victims on every floor”, with several of them in cardiac/respiratory arrest by the time they were saved from the initial blaze. The smoke damage will have a devastating effect on the survivors to say the least.
Mayor Eric Adams stated that “the numbers are horrific” and believes that this accident will most likely go down as one of, if not the most damaging fire over the past few decades in the city.
The fire started from a third story space heater. When the fire broke out, the individuals ran out leaving the door open, which ultimately led to much more destruction than anyone had bargained for. More than 200 firefighters battled the flames. The decision of leaving the door open as they ran out let the original fire spread rampantly through the building.
The situation is oddly similar to a 2017 Bronx fire that killed 9 civilians. This fire had started when a young boy played with the stove. One thing led to another, and the panicked owners once again left the door wide open for the fire to escape containment.
Once again, authorities ask all citizens to close all doors when a fire erupts to help capture the flame. We as Americans all pray for the safety of those who survived, and are deeply saddened by the death of such innocent people.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/01/09/nyregion/bronx-fire
Image Credits: David Dee Delgado/New York Times
