Nine children among 19 dead in Bronx apartment building fire

New York City authorities said nine children are among the 19 people who died Sunday at an apartment fire in the Bronx, which was reportedly caused by a faulty space heater.

Mayor Eric Adams called the casualties “horrific,” per The Associated Press. “This is going to be one of the worst fires that we have witnessed during modern times,” he said.

New York City Fire Department Commissioner Daniel Nigro said Sunday afternoon the fire “started in a malfunctioning electric space heater” in an duplex spanning the second and third floors. 

Nigro added that firefighters found an apartment door open, which allowed the fire to accelerate and spread upward quickly, The AP reported. 

Residents at the complex who were trapped inside had to break windows for air and stuffed wet towels under their doors, he added. 

Stefan Ringel, a senior adviser to Adams, confirmed the death toll, adding that upwards of 60 people were injured, more than a dozen in critical condition, according to the AP.

Authorities added they don’t suspect foul play in the New York fire, but are investigating the incident, The AP noted.

In a tweet, the FDNY said at least 31 people were hospitalized from the incident as nearly 200 firefighters responded to the scene. 

Approximately 200 FDNY members are operating on scene of a 5-alarm fire at 333 East 181 Street in the Bronx. There are currently 31 serious injuries to civilians. pic.twitter.com/yrTYwOfonH

— FDNY (@FDNY) January 9, 2022

The death total from Sunday’s fire is the highest in the city since the 1990 Happy Land fire, where 87 people were killed after a man set fire to the building after being thrown out of the club, according to the AP. 

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y) called the fire a “tremendous tragedy & loss for our community” in a tweet Sunday. 

My prayers and condolences are with the families of the victims & their loved ones. This is a tremendous tragedy & loss for our community. My office will be ready to assist families as needed during this difficult time. https://t.co/i6k4ExJPgy

— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@RepRitchie) January 9, 2022

Rep. Jamal Bowman (D-N.Y.) also tweeted about the “devastating and heartbreaking,” writing “our neighbors need us” along with a call for donations. 

Sending love to everyone impacted by today’s devastating and heartbreaking fire in the Bronx. Our neighbors need us. If you live in or near Pelham, donations can be dropped off at The Picture House on 175 Wolfs Ln during and after business hours. For more info, call 914-738-7337!

— Jamaal Bowman (@JamaalBowmanNY) January 9, 2022

The fire comes just days after 12 people died in a row house fire in Philadelphia, Pa., killing eight children. 

Updated at 6:52 p.m.