NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — At least 19 people have been killed, including 9 children, in a 5-alarm Bronx apartment building fire that broke out Sunday morning, the FDNY said.
The FDNY said more than 60 people were injured, dozens with life threatening injuries as a result of the blaze. Officials said 19 were treated on the scene and the rest were taken to area hospitals. Earlier, the FDNY had reported 31 people had suffered serious injuries.
Officials said the fire has been now contained after 200 firefighters were actively working to contain the blaze at 333 East 181 Street in Fordham Heights.
FDNY commissioner Daniel Nigro said during a news conference that said he expects "numerous fatalities."
The FDNY said the fire was on the third floor of the 19-story high rise. The department received numerous calls of fire from residents on upper floors.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but Nigro said a door the apartment where the fire erupted was left open.
"The door to that apartment was left open, causing the fire to spread and the smoke to spread," he added.
The NYC Department of Buildings confirmed it was also inspecting the structural stability of the building and to assist with the investigation.
Mayor Eric Adams, who also appeared at Sunday's news briefing, said the blaze "is going to be one of the worst fires we have witnessed here in modern times in the city of New York."
Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences in a statement on Twitter.
"I am horrified by the devastating fire in the Bronx today," she tweeted. "My heart is with the loved ones of all those we've tragically lost, all of those impacted and with our heroic @FDNY firefighters. The entire State of New York stands with New York City."
This is a developing story..Check back for updates.