19 killed in NY City fire

At least 19 people, including nine children, lost their lives in a major fire in New York City on Sunday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed, reported Xinhua.

"We've lost 19 of our neighbors today. It's a tragedy beyond measure. Join me in praying for those we lost, especially the 9 innocent young lives that were cut short," Adams tweeted.

He thanked the firefighters of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) for bringing into control the fire, which broke out in a residential apartment high-rise building at 333 East 181st Street in the Bronx.

At least 19 people, including nine children, lost their lives in a major fire in New York City on Sunday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed.

"We've lost 19 of our neighbors today. It's a tragedy beyond measure. Join me in praying for those we lost, especially the 9 innocent young lives that were cut short," Adams tweeted.

He thanked the firefighters of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) for bringing into control the fire, which broke out in a residential apartment high-rise building at 333 East 181st Street in the Bronx.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, who was at the scene together with Adams, said the fire broke out in a duplex apartment on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the apartment building. The door of the apartment was left open, enabling the fire and smoke to spread quickly in the 19-story building.

"This is indeed tragic. Units arrived within three minutes for a call of a fire in a duplex apartment. They were met in the hallway with this fire -- very heavy smoke, very heavy fire. Units pushed in. The smoke extended the entire height of the building, which is very unusual. Members found victims on every floor and in stairwells and were taking them out in cardiac and respiratory arrest," said Nigro.

"That is unprecedented in our city. How the fire started we don't know yet. It will be investigated by FDNY fire marshals," he added.