Borough Park - Man dies, firefighters hurt in fire

A man died and three firefighters were injured in a Borough Park apartment fire, FDNY officials and witnesses said.

The 60 year-old man who was found unconscious in his study, sources said. He later died at an area hospital, cops said.

The fire started on the third floor of the four-story building at 2:03 p.m. on the corner of Utrecht Avenue near 52 Street, sources said.

The three firefighters suffered non life threatening injuries. One was treated for minor burns and the other two suffered “strains and sprains,” Fire Chief Howe said at the scene.

135 firefighters responded to the blaze.

Deputy Chief Richard Howe said, “The fire was contained to one apartment. That was the apartment where the victim was found. We found him unconscious in his study.”

One resident said he was standing next to a man whose head was on fire. “I saw the guy when they carried him [out.] His head was all black and burned. I couldn’t really see who he was, his head was black, his head was on fire,” the man who refused to give his name said. An EMT worker at the scene confirmed the victims head was on fire.

A resident on the fourth floor who identified himself as just Ruben said “ I heard someone screaming downstairs. Screaming in pain. Then I heard the smoke alarms go off. I called my daughter and we ran outside,” he said. Ruben said he has seen the burn-victim in the halls and riding his bike outside. “I usually see him riding his bike,” he said.

The 59 year-old victim was sent to Lutheran Hospital in cardiac arrest, fire officials said.

Ting Yileung, A 73 year-old resident who has lived in the building close to 45 years said he smelled smoke. “Everybody was yelling fire, fire, fire!” He suspects the fire started from a space heater because residents have been without heat recently. “It’s dangerous. People try to stay warm, just trying to stay alive,” he added.

The building is home to a medical lab and clothing store which were both damaged from the two-alarm fire. Residents who live on the upper floors were evacuated.

The victims name is being withheld pending proper family notification.






NY POST