NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A boy was killed and four of his family members were critically injured after they were trapped in an 11th-floor apartment fire in the Bronx on Wednesday morning, officials said as they investigated whether a lithium-ion battery played a role.
The fire broke out just before 1 a.m. in the kitchen area of the apartment in a 13-story building at the NYCHA Patterson Houses on Morris Avenue in Mott Haven.
When the FDNY arrived, they found five family members who were trapped in the apartment, all terribly injured. They included a man and a woman, and three boys, ranging in age from 12 to 16.
A memorial at the apartment building on Wednesday morning. Glenn Schuck
Two of the boys were taken to Jacobi Hospital, where one was pronounced dead on arrival. The second boy was said to be in grave condition.
The 33-year-old woman and 37-year-old man were in critical condition at Lincoln Hospital, while the third boy was critical at Harlem Hospital.
The FDNY fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, which was contained to the one apartment.
A lithium-ion battery for an e-bike was apparently found by the kitchen, near the front door. Residents said they believe a battery fire may have blocked the family’s escape, though the FDNY hasn’t yet confirmed that.