Six people have died and several others have been injured after a fire broke out in a residential building in Brooklyn, New York City, early on Thursday.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed the deaths in a statement, saying the blaze occurred in the early hours of the morning.
More than 230 firefighters and emergency medical personnel were deployed to the scene near Sunset Park after the fire was reported at about 01:40 local time (06:40 GMT).
Emergency responders discovered that the building’s first and second floors had been engulfed by flames when they arrived.
Four of the victims were found dead at the scene, while two others were discovered in critical condition and later died.
US media reports gave differing accounts of whether the two victims died in hospital or while being transported there.
Six other civilians sustained injuries, including two who were critically hurt. Three firefighters were also injured, according to the FDNY.
A hazardous materials response team was also deployed because of the presence of a lithium-ion battery in the building.
However, officials have not established whether the battery was connected to the fire.
The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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