1 dead, 15 injured in Bronx 5-alarm fire after explosion; cause under investigation
1 dead, 11 injured in Bronx fire caused by explosion
FDNY is reporting that they have recovered a body, as firefighters approach the sixth hour of working to contain this Bronx fire. FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas continues reporting on the story.
THE BRONX - One person was killed and more than a dozen were injured in a massive fire in the Bronx, according to the FDNY.
Former 5-alarm fire now considered deadly
What we know:
The large fire was raging at a building on East 209th Street, between Decatur Avenue and Parkside Place in the Norwood section.
The FDNY said it took eight hours to get the flames under control after the second and third floors were completely engulfed.
There was reportedly an explosion on the third floor of the building. Multiple people were rescued from the apartment building.
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore confirmed at a press conference that nine civilians and six firefighters were injured in the fire. It was also confirmed that a body was recovered from the building.
FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas reported that some of the building's residents previously told their landlord about a "strong odor" that they have been smelling for months. The FDNY, however, said that there were no 911 calls made to complain about a smell of gas from Jan. 1 until today, August 5.
Most residents in adjacent buildings have since returned to their apartments. The Red Cross was helping those who have been left homeless.
What we don't know:
The cause of the explosion is not known at this time.
The Source: This article includes information provided by the FDNY.