Washington Heights fire kills couple in their 70s, injures 6

The fire broke out around 1:45 a.m. on the sixth floor of a six-story building on West 178th Street
The fire broke out around 1:45 a.m. on the sixth floor of a six-story building on West 178th Street. Photo credit Citizen App

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- A couple in their 70s was killed, and six others were injured, early Tuesday in a fire at an apartment building in Washington Heights, officials said.

The unidentified victims—a 77-year-old woman and 73-year-old man—died at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, where they were rushed by EMS.

Three firefighters and three civilians were also treated for minor injuries.

The fire erupted across the street from the George Washington Bridge Bus Station
The fire erupted across the street from the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Photo credit Citizen App

The husband and wife were found in separate rooms at their sixth-floor apartment at 718 West 178th St. after the fire broke out around 1:45 a.m.

Devastated neighbors said the wife was bedridden and that her husband would take care of her every day.

The fire marshal is investigating what caused the three-alarm fire at the six-story building, which is across the street from the George Washington Bridge Bus Station.

People gather outside the building on West 178th Street
People gather outside the building on West 178th Street. Photo credit Glenn Schuck

The fire also spread to the fifth floor before it was brought under control by the FDNY around 3:45 a.m.

The Red Cross was at the scene into the morning assisting residents who were temporarily vacated from 18 other units.

Firefighters brought the fire under control around 3:45 a.m. and continued to work the scene into the morning
Firefighters brought the fire under control around 3:45 a.m. and continued to work the scene into the morning. Photo credit Glenn Schuck
Featured Image Photo Credit: Citizen App