At least 12 people have died, including a one-year-old baby after a fire broke out in a New York City apartment.
It is understood that the fire broke out on Thursday evening, at approximately 7 pm in the Bronx area.
Over 160 firefights tackled the fire, which broke out on the first floor of the apartment block and spread upstairs.
The blaze has been ranked as one of the deadliest fires the city has seen in decades. New York fire commissioner Daniel Nigro stated that the fire was “historic in its magnitude.”
Over 160 #FDNY members are operating on scene of a 4-alarm fire, 2363 Prospect Ave #Bronx pic.twitter.com/wjN9mMqCHU
— FDNY (@FDNY) December 29, 2017
During a press conference, he shared that “people died on various floors of the apartment,” and the ages of the deceased ranged from one-years-old to 50.
Mayor Bill De Blasio stated that the death toll was ,”one of the worst losses of life to a fire in many, many years" in New York.
Thanks to the @FDNY’s quick response, at least 12 people were rescued and will survive. The fire has been put out completely.
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 29, 2017
Firefighters managed to rescue 12 people from the building, with a reported four people fighting for their lives in hospital.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
Tonight in the Bronx we've seen the worst fire tragedy in at least a quarter of a century. It is an unspeakable tragedy, and families have been torn apart. pic.twitter.com/0kCFMzxt79
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 29, 2017
In a message to the people of New York, the Major said, “Hold your families close and keep those families here in the Bronx in your prayers.”
Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event.
