A man was found dead after a fire tore through a mixed-use building in the Bronx early Wednesday, according to the FDNY.
The fire broke out inside a building on Third Avenue in Mott Haven, between East 140th and East 139th streets, where a business occupied the first floor and an apartment was located above.
What You Need To Know
A two alarm fire broke out inside a Bronx building that left a man dead
More than 140 FDNY personnel battled the blaze
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing
Neighbor Katherine Dailey described seeing the chaotic scene.
“I look out the hallway and I look across the street, and I could see flames,” she said.
More than 140 FDNY personnel rushed to the scene to see heavy fire conditions.
“Units initially made entry, but due to heavy fire conditions and the threat of collapse they were driven out of the building,” an FDNY official said at the scene.
The fire department said they were originally unsure if that apartment was vacant, but neighbors told NY1 a man lived there.
Officials have not shared the identity of the man who was found dead inside, but neighbors are praying for him.
“It’s just heart wrenching for all of us,” Dailey said.
This incident comes after two people who were killed in a five-alarm fire just a few miles away on East 187th Street.
“Every time I turn around, it’s a fire. Every couple of blocks,” said Dailey. “I would not believe I would wake up and look out my window and see this.”
One EMT and two firefighters were transported to local hospitals.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.