A major fire tore through a residential apartment building in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens early Monday morning, leaving two people in critical condition and sending a firefighter to the hospital as emergency crews battled the intense blaze.
According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the fire broke out on the second floor of a five-story apartment building located on 40th Street in Sunnyside. Emergency calls were received shortly before 2:40 a.m., prompting a large-scale response from firefighters and medical personnel.
Authorities said approximately 79 firefighters and EMS personnel were dispatched to the scene. Crews worked rapidly to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. The blaze was brought under control less than an hour later after an extensive firefighting operation.
Two residents were transported to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition. A firefighter was also injured while responding to the emergency and was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Officials reported that the firefighter’s injuries were serious but not considered life-threatening.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as thick smoke filled the building and emergency crews rushed residents to safety. Several nearby streets were temporarily closed while firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and secure the area.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire marshals are expected to examine the building and gather evidence to determine what sparked the incident.
The latest fire adds to growing concerns over residential fire safety across New York City, where firefighters continue to respond to thousands of emergency calls each year. Officials have urged residents to ensure smoke detectors are functioning properly and to maintain clear evacuation routes in apartment buildings.
Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses and the condition of the injured victims becomes clearer.
