Four Dead, Including a Child, in Flushing Apartment Fire

FLUSHING, Queens – Four people, including a child, died Monday after a four-alarm fire ripped through a mixed-use building in Flushing, Queens. The fire broke out just before 12:30 p.m. At 44-49 College Point Boulevard, between Avery and Pople avenues.

Fire Details and Response

The FDNY received the initial call about the fire on the second and third floors of the building at approximately 12:30 p.m. Fire crews arrived on the scene within four minutes. As the blaze spread to five apartments, a fourth alarm was transmitted, bringing a total of 74 units – 231 firefighters and EMS personnel – to the location.

Fatalities and Injuries

Initially, the FDNY confirmed two adult fatalities and one child death. Police later confirmed a fourth victim had died. Three individuals were injured after jumping from windows on the upper floors in an attempt to escape the flames.

Two people are in critical condition at Jacobi Medical Center, while four others are in stable condition. Five firefighters were as well treated for injuries and taken to area hospitals in stable condition.

Stairwell Collapse and Rescue Efforts

During firefighting operations, the stairwell collapsed, trapping two firefighters. They were successfully extricated and transported to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Firefighters also rescued one person from the second floor.

Witness Accounts

Resident Vivian Marie described smelling smoke and initially believing it was coming from her own building. Neighbors reported seeing EMS personnel performing CPR on severely burned victims in the street.

“This is a difficult and tragic day,” said FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore during a press conference.