NEW YORK (1010 WINS) \u2014 An 83-year-old man was killed in a fast-moving fire at a Queens residential building on Sunday night, an incident where FDNY officials say their rescue efforts were significantly hampered by frozen and blocked equipment.<\/p>\n
According to authorities, the push to combat the flames was delayed because one hydrant at the scene was frozen and inoperable due to the cold, while a second hydrant was blocked by a parked car, preventing the immediate access to a water supply needed to gain control of the blaze.<\/p>\n
The blaze broke out at a residence on 78th Street in Elmhurst just before 7:30 p.m., quickly spreading through the structure and filling the interior with thick smoke.<\/p>\n
Firefighters managed to locate the man in a rear bedroom and pulled him from the building. First responders immediately performed CPR and rushed him to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.<\/p>\n
Crews were eventually able to bring the fire under control about an hour later. It is unclear what caused the fire and an investigation remains ongoing.<\/p>\n