Two men were killed and nearly a dozen others were injured in an early morning fire in the Bronx on Monday, officials said.
The blaze began around 1:30 a.m. on the first floor of 2381 Hoffman St. in the borough’s Belmont neighborhood, the FDNY said, adding that the fire spread quickly, leaving several residents of the five-story building trapped.
Assistant FDNY Chief Roger Sakowich told the New York Daily News that firefighters “had to push the fire back” in the stairway to rescue the trapped residents.
Eight residents, including a 7-year-old girl, suffered injuries that included serious burns and smoke inhalation and were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
According to a tweet from the FDNY, three victims were seriously injured, and five civilians and five firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
#FDNY members operated earlier this morning at the scene of a 2nd alarm, 2381 Hoffman St #Bronx. There are 2 civilian fatalities reported, 3 serious injuries to civilians, and 5 non-life-threatening injuries to civilians. There are 5 non-life-threatening injuries to FFs reported pic.twitter.com/YFSK7Y7GfV
— FDNY (@FDNY) March 5, 2018
Two men died after being trapped by the fire, the Daily News reported. They have not yet been identified.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. It is believed that the blaze was able to spread so quickly because a door had been left open, which the FDNY confirmed in an afternoon tweet. “Fire marshals have determined that after the occupants of the fire apartment evacuated, the door remained open, allowing the fire to spread,” the department wrote.
Earlier this morning, 2 people lost their lives and 2 more were critically injured at a 2-alarm fire at 2381 Hoffman St #Bronx. #FDNY Fire Marshals have determined that after the occupants of the fire apartment evacuated, the door remained open, allowing the fire to spread pic.twitter.com/xmP0LRvhTX
— FDNY (@FDNY) March 5, 2018
When escaping a fire in your apartment, be #FDNYSmart – CLOSE THE DOOR as you make your exit. Closing the door saves lives https://t.co/DqiEspFC1w
— FDNY (@FDNY) March 5, 2018
The New York Post reported that the Red Cross is offering aid to 20 residents who have been left homeless, including seven children.
