Two people were killed and several others injured after a fire tore through a three-story apartment building in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush neighborhood early Saturday morning, according to the New York City Fire Department.
The blaze broke out shortly before 7 am local time at 1693 Nostrand Avenue, between Beverly Road and Cortelyou Road. Firefighters arriving at the scene encountered heavy flames and smoke coming from the second floor of the mixed-use building, officials said.
According to ABC7 New York, two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Two others were taken to nearby hospitals, with one victim suffering serious injuries and another reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Citizen NYC, which shared footage of the aftermath on X, reported that firefighters launched rescue operations after receiving reports of trapped occupants, including people near a rear fire escape.
Fire spread through building
The FDNY said the fire began on the second floor before rapidly spreading upward to the top floor and roof. Witness videos shared by local outlets showed flames shooting out of second-floor windows as thick smoke engulfed parts of the building.
Residents who managed to evacuate described chaotic scenes outside the apartment complex as emergency crews arrived.
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“Flames were shooting out, literally, from this window right here, almost touching the tree. That’s how accelerated those flames were,” witness Rich Savaille told CBS News.
“Luckily, the fire department came within two minutes and was able to extinguish it, but it was crazy. The flames were really, really intense,” he added.
According to the FDNY, the blaze was brought under control at around 7:38 am.
What we know about the victims
Authorities have not yet officially identified the victims. However, CBS News reported that neighbors said those killed were a mother and her adult son.
News outlet amNewYork identified the deceased as a man and a woman. The outlet also reported that at least one additional victim remained in serious condition, while others suffered less severe injuries.
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Emergency personnel continued searching and securing the building after the flames were extinguished.
Cause of the fire under investigation
FDNY fire marshals are now investigating what sparked the deadly blaze.
Officials have not yet released details about the origin of the fire or whether working smoke detectors were present inside the building.
The fire remains under active investigation.
