A four-alarm fire in Queens left four people dead and several others injured Monday afternoon, according to the Fire Department of the City of New York. Crews responded shortly before 12:30 p.m. to 44-49 College Point Blvd., where heavy flames were reported on all three floors of the building. Two additional victims were taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition. During firefighting operations, a stairwell inside the building collapsed, trapping two firefighters who were later rescued and transported to hospitals in stable condition.
More than 230 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the blaze, which was brought under control just before 2:45 p.m. “This is a difficult and tragic day. There were several victims in this fire. The Fire Department did an extraordinary job under difficult circumstances, putting this fire out and saving people. I can’t thank them enough for their continued efforts and commitment to life safety,” said Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods said firefighters encountered heavy fire upon arrival and rescued a victim from the second floor using a portable ladder before the stairwell collapse. As crews worked to free the trapped firefighters, other members performed CPR on victims outside the building. Fire marshals are investigating the cause.
