By Salma El-Sakka
Six people died and seven others were injured, including three firefighters, when a fire tore through a two-story home in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighborhood early Thursday, the New York City Fire Department said.
Blaze spreads to adjacent home
The fire was reported around 1:40 a.m. on 58th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. More than 200 first responders battled the blaze for about three hours as it spread throughout the building and to a neighboring home. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others with critical injuries died at a hospital. Four people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while three firefighters sustained minor injuries.
Lithium-ion battery found at scene
A lithium-ion battery, or possibly two, was discovered at the site, though officials have not confirmed whether it caused the fire. The FDNY noted a nationwide rise in fires sparked by such batteries, which power e-bikes, chargers and other household devices.
Mayor addresses fire safety
Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised the courage of firefighters and highlighted the growing danger of e-bike fires, which have exceeded 400 incidents in New York City this year. He said the city is investigating the cause and pursuing every avenue to improve fire prevention and safety. The names and ages of the victims have not been released.
