By Karim Hammam
A three-alarm fire tore through a two-story home on 58th Street in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighborhood early Thursday, killing six people and injuring several others, including three firefighters.
Fire Breaks Out Before Dawn
The blaze erupted just before 1:40 a.m. and appears to have started on the second floor before spreading throughout the building. Flames shot from windows as firefighters battled the fire, which was brought under control after extensive effort.
Casualties and Injuries
Four adults were pronounced dead at the scene. A man and a woman died while being transported to the hospital. Four residents and three firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and another victim was reported in critical condition.
Investigation and Possible Cause
Two lithium-ion batteries were found at the scene, and investigators are working to determine whether they played a role. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Before this incident, seven people had died in lithium-ion battery fires in New York City this year, including a mother and three children in a Bronx fire last week.
Mayor Responds
Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised the efforts of the FDNY and highlighted the rising danger of e-bike fires, which have exceeded 400 incidents this year. He emphasized the importance of fire safety and said the city is exploring every avenue to prevent such tragedies.
Assistance for Displaced Residents
The American Red Cross is providing temporary housing for residents displaced by the fire, which caused extensive damage to the building's exterior and interior.
