By Philip Newman
MTA Bridges and Tunnels officers saved more than a dozen people from a fire that swept a four-story building near the Queens-Midtown Tunnel early Wednesday, the MTA said.
The transit agency said no civilian injuries were reported in the two-alarm fire that broke out about 6:30 a.m., at 10-39 51st Ave. in Long Island City, although Joseph Vasquez and Ronald Linck were injured while evacuating residents from the building.
Both officers were taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment of cuts, bruises and smoke inhalation.
Five firefighters also suffered injuries. The fire was in a building adjacent to the toll booth plaza for the Midtown Tunnel.
“We saw heavy flames and smoke as we approached and we started knocking on doors to rouse people,” Bridges and Tunnels Sgt. Kris Owens said.
Owens was aided by Sgts. Paul Leggio and Jacinth Thomas and Officers Steven Wall, Dave Rivera and James McGuigan. The Bridges and Tunnels men also evacuated two buildings adjacent to the fire.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Thomas Prendergast praised their actions.
“Our Bridges and Tunnels officers work around the clock to protect our customers from hazards of vehicular traffic, but when they saw lives at risk off our property, these brave officers did not hesitate to plunge into danger to save them,” he said. “I am proud of their selfless actions to protect the public.”
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
