By Bill Parry
Two people are dead and a third person is in critical condition after a two-alarm blaze tore through an Elmhurst home Monday night, police said.
The fire broke out in the two-story brick home, at 42-28 Ithica St., just after 10:30 p.m. and spread to a house next door before firefighters brought it under control around midnight, according to the FDNY.
Three unidentified men were discovered inside by officers from the 110th Precinct. The victims were unresponsive and unconscious.
Two were taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where one was pronounced dead, while the other was listed in critical condition. The third man was taken to Forest Hills Hospital, where he later died, according to the NYPD.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the city fire marshal. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
One firefighter was hospitalized but has been treated and released, officials said.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
