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10:03, 29-Dec-2017
At least 12 killed in New York City apartment block fire
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At least 12 people were killed, and four others critically injured, after a major fire broke out in an apartment block in the Bronx, New York City, mayor Bill de Blasio said.
The fire started shortly before 7 p.m. local time (0000 GMT Friday) on the first floor of the five-story building, and quickly spread upstairs, said New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Daniel Nigro.
New York City Fire Department Photo
New York City Fire Department Photo
Four children were among the victims, local media reported. Authorities said firefighters rescued 12 people from the building and four people were in the hospital in critical condition.
"This will rank as one of the worst losses of life to a fire in many, many years," de Blasio told reporters at the scene, describing the incident as “the worst fire tragedy” the city had seen in at least a quarter-century.
New York City Fire Department Photo
New York City Fire Department Photo
The fire has been brought under control with over 160 members of the FDNY sent to battle the blaze, said the fire department.
A nearby school has been set up as a shelter to house those evacuated from the building.
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