YONKERS, New York (WABC) — A 28-year-old man died in a fire that broke out early Wednesday morning at a multi-family home on Cedar Avenue in Yonkers, officials said.<\/p>\n
The fire started shortly before 6 a.m. at 13 Cedar Ave. Investigators said the flames began in the rear of the building’s third floor. Video recorded by a resident showed orange flames burning in a narrow alleyway between two closely spaced homes, highlighting how quickly the fire spread.<\/p>\n
Saadia Goodwine and her family escaped the fire safely.<\/p>\n
“It was absolutely terrifying. You’re thinking of smoke inhalation and just hoping like everyone’s okay–and come to find out…” Goodwine said before her voice trailed off in sadness.<\/p>\n
Investigators believe the victim may have initially escaped the building before running back inside to look for family members.<\/p>\n
Firefighters arriving on scene launched an aggressive search and fire attack as conditions worsened and a third alarm was declared.<\/p>\n
“They advanced the hose line, rescue and the truck searched aggressively, found that one victim, pulled them out, rendered aid, while the other companies continued the aggressive attack,” Assistant Chief Paul Goldfeder of the Yonkers Fire Department said.<\/p>\n
The victim was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two other occupants suffered minor smoke inhalation and were also taken to a hospital for treatment.<\/p>\n
Melissa Cochrane, who witnessed the aftermath, described an emotional scene outside the building.<\/p>\n
“We seen the victim’s family, they were crying. We heard the screaming out the building, and it was just a very dramatic and very crazy situation unfortunately,” Cochrane said.<\/p>\n
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.<\/p>\n
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