THE BRONX – One person has died in a massive fire in the Bronx, according to the FDNY.
Former 5-alarm fire now considered deadly
What we know:
A large fire is raging at a building on East 209th Street, between Decatur Avenue and Parkside Place. The fire is still not under control.
There was reportedly an explosion on the third floor of the building. Multiple people were rescued from the apartment building.
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore confirmed at a press conference that nine civilians and six firefighters were injured in the fire. It is also now confirmed that a body was recovered from the building.
FOX 5 NY’s Richard Giacovas reports that some of the building’s residents previously told their landlord about a “strong odor” that they have been smelling for months. The FDNY, however, is saying that there were no 911 calls made to complain about a smell of gas from Jan. 1 until today, August 5.
Operations are still ongoing as firefighters work to contain the fire.
What we don’t know:
The cause of the explosion is not known at this time.
The Source: This article includes information provided by the FDNY.