One person was killed in a rooftop explosion at an Elmhurst apartment building on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 10, that also left four firefighters injured, according to the FDNY.
About 140 firefighters responded to a two-alarm blaze around 10:25 a.m. at a six-story residential building located at 73-01 41st Ave., according to the FDNY. The fire was then upgraded to a three-alarm blaze, with firefighters requesting additional trucks for help.
The cause of the explosion is unknown and the investigation is ongoing, the FDNY said.
Upon arrival at the scene, units discovered there had been an explosion in the penthouse above the sixth floor, with heavy damage to the apartment and an outside wall, fire officials said.
While the roof has partially collapsed presenting a “very unstable situation,” fire officials said they have evacuated two buildings to the rear of the main fire structure.
A video from the Citizen App showed flames and smoke billowing from the top of the six-story building, which has 41 apartments. According to officials, first responders had safely evacuated people out of the burning building.
Four firefighters have sustained minor injuries and were sent to local hospitals, the FDNY said. Meanwhile, the deceased victim’s identity has not yet been released.
The FDNY is currently working with the Department of Buildings and other agencies to determine the best way to secure the wall and prevent further damage, according to the FDNY.
