At least 11 people were injured, including three critically, in an explosion and fire at a Bronx apartment building on Wednesday afternoon.
Photo by Dean Moses
At least 11 people were injured, including three critically, in an explosion and fire at a Bronx apartment building on Wednesday afternoon.
Fire Department officials said the inferno ignited at about 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 on the second floor of 374 East 209th St. in Norwood. The cause of the blast is unknown at this time; ABC7 reported that initial calls indicated that it may have been sparked by a lithium-ion battery — which the FDNY has repeatedly pointed out is one of the most notorious firestarters in the city today.
The first arriving firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames shooting out of the apartment windows of the five-story structure. The fire quickly grew into a five-alarm event at about 2 p.m. — bringing hundreds of additional FDNY personnel to the scene.
According to published reports, the injured victims include three civilians who were listed in critical condition. Three firefighters were also injured in the response. All 11 victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment.Photo by Dean Moses 
Fire Department officials said the inferno ignited at about 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 on the second floor of 374 East 209th St. in Norwood.Photo by Dean Moses 
The cause of the blast is unknown at this time; ABC7 reported that initial calls indicated that it may have been sparked by a lithium-ion battery — which the FDNY has repeatedly pointed out is one of the most notorious firestarters in the city today.Photo by Dean Moses
According to published reports, the injured victims include three civilians who were listed in critical condition. Three firefighters were also injured in the response. All 11 victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
One despondent woman was arrested at the scene after getting into a scuffle with police when she was denied entry into the building to rescue her pets, who were said to be trapped inside.
This is a developing story; check with amNY.com for further updates.
One despondent woman was arrested at the scene after getting into a scuffle with police when she was denied entry into the building to rescue her pets, who were said to be trapped inside.Photo by Dean Moses