STAPLETON, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Two young children are dead and two others are hospitalized in critical condition after a fire tore through a Staten Island home early Friday, authorities said.
Fire officials said the fire broke out in the three-story Stapleton home on Van Duzer Street near Vanderbilt Avenue. A neighbor reported the blaze at 10:18 a.m.
Heavy flames could be seen shooting from the sides of the home in video from the scene.
"The entire second floor was engulfed in flames so much that the fire head was coming down the stairs," said FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens at a press briefing Friday. "Once they started to move in the hose line, they quickly extinguished the fire. And we found the victims inside all unconscious and needing to be removed."
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said that there are a total of eight patients from the scene.
In addition to the two children critically injured, two teenagers suffered minor injuries and are in stable condition, as is one firefighter.
Officials believe there were no adults at the home when the fire broke out. Kavanagh said the children's mother is at the hospital and is in shock but in stable condition.
SILive.com is reporting the children are between the ages of 5 and 14.
Staten Island Borough President Vito J. Fossella said in a statement that the deadly blaze is "every parent's worst nightmare."
"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy of the three young children who lost their lives in a house fire this morning, and it is so disheartening that this happened right before the holidays," he added. "We should remember to appreciate what we have, and be grateful for every new day. Mary Pat and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of these young Staten Islanders."
Fire marshals will determine the cause of the blaze.
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