House fire in Brooklyn kills 6 people and injures 7, more than 200 firefighters respond

A devastating three-alarm fire broke out in a Brooklyn home early Thursday morning, claiming the lives of six people and leaving several others injured. The blaze erupted just before 1:40 a.m. at a residence on 58th Street in Sunset Park. Flames quickly shot from the windows as firefighters fought the inferno, which authorities believe originated on the second floor and quickly spread to the entire two-story building.

Four adults were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others, a man and a woman, succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the hospital. Four residents and three firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries, with one victim in critical condition. Firefighters remained at the scene all day, pouring water onto the charred building as thick smoke filled the air.

Ladders extended above the wreckage as crews worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and search for any hidden fires behind walls and siding.

The damage to the home was extensive, with the front of the building heavily charred and much of its exterior destroyed. During their investigation, authorities discovered two lithium-ion batteries at the scene, and are currently working to determine if they played any role in igniting the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The tragedy displaced multiple residents, and the American Red Cross is providing temporary housing to those left homeless by the blaze. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised the efforts of the FDNY, acknowledging the courage of the firefighters who risk their lives daily to save others. He also emphasized the importance of fire safety, noting that e-bike fires have increased to over 400 incidents this year, posing a significant danger to both people and their livelihoods.

So far this year, there have been seven deaths in lithium-ion battery fires, including four fatalities in a Bronx home last week where a mother and three children perished.