Woman killed, 8 injured in fire in Queens, NY; 2 firefighters among injured

A woman was killed and eight people, including two firefighters, were injured after a fourth-alarm fire tore through three buildings in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, according to authorities.

FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Paul Miller said the fire was reported at about 7 p.m. Monday at 83-33 Dongan Avenue. Firefighters arrived in under five minutes and encountered heavy fire on the second floor of one of the buildings as occupants were evacuating.

Crews pushed into the structure as the fire extended into two adjoining buildings. Miller said part of the rear of the original fire building collapsed, leaving significant structural damage. Firefighters conducted thorough searches of all three buildings.

The New York Post, citing authorities, reported that a 34-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene and that six civilians were injured. The outlet reported that one of the injured, a 22-year-old man, was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, Deputy Assistant Chief Miller said. Cold weather conditions created hazardous, icy surfaces as water froze on the street, leading to several slip-and-fall incidents but no serious firefighter injuries.

About 19 people were displaced, and roughly 250 firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire marshals are expected to lead the investigation.