5-alarm fire in Flushing, Queens, kills 1, injures at least 22, including 21 FDNY firefighters
A massive five-alarm fire ripped through several buildings on 41st Road in Flushing, Queens on Saturday. Credit: Neil Miller
A massive five-alarm fire ripped through multiple buildings in Queens on Saturday, killing one person and injuring more than 20 others, including 21 FDNY firefighters.
The FDNY responded to a call of a fire on the first floor of 132-15 41 Rd. in Flushing at around 9:52 a.m., and the blaze extended to at least two connected buildings, according to the department.
Large plumes of smoke rose above the homes — a series of connected residences near a busy commercial area. City officials said people nearby should close their windows and avoid the smoke. Traffic was also expected near the response.
The fire was raised to a fifth alarm at 11:57 a.m. and brought under control by 1:11 p.m. A total of 270 firefighters and EMS personnel were at the scene, near College Point Boulevard, as of 2 p.m., the FDNY said.
A 78-year-old woman died from her injuries after she was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Queens, the NYPD said. Police did not further identify her.
A second civilian suffered minor injuries.
The injured firefighters' conditions were not immediately known. They were all transported to area hospitals, according to the FDNY.
FDNY fire marshals were on scene.
Newsday's Alek Lewis contributed to this story.
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