A fire broke out in the top floors of a New York City apartment building on Saturday morning, leading to several injuries and at least one death, the New York Fire Department announced.
Fire department units were on the scene before the fire began, investigating reports of gas being smelled on the 15th and 16th floors of the 17-story building. While on scene, a gas explosion occurred, setting the upper floors ablaze.
"We had members on the 16th floor when the explosion occurred," FDNY Chief John Esposito explained during a press conference after the fire had been put out. "We had members who were also in the elevator and were trapped in that elevator for a short time."
One fatality, 15 injured, after apartment blaze
Over 200 firefighters and medical personnel reported to the scene shortly after the fire began. One unnamed civilian fatality resulted from the fire, FDNY EMS reported, as well as 15 injured who were treated and transported to local hospitals.
"This is not a routine operation," Esposito told reporters, "With an explosion, multiple floors, significant structural damage. Obviously, we train for it, but it's not routine, and our firefighters don't have that type of practice. They really did incredible here."
Due to extreme cold, New York City Emergency Management and the American Red Cross opened a reception center at a nearby school, and NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol also announced at the press conference. "Our team is there to make sure that we're able to get people housed and sheltered and taken care of through this," he said.