Six killed in Sunset Park rowhouse fire; cause under investigation

Six people are dead after a three-alarm fire tore through a rowhouse on 58th Street near Seventh Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, shortly after 1:40 a.m. Thursday. Officials said the blaze appeared to start on the second floor and spread through the building. Its cause remains under investigation.

Four adults were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others died on the way to the hospital. The medical examiner will determine the identities of the four victims found at the scene. Four residents and three firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries. One man was taken to Staten Island University Hospital with burns to his feet, and a woman was taken to Maimonides Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

More than 175 firefighters responded, found heavy fire in the two-story wood-frame building and used five hoselines to bring the main fire under control. FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Flynn praised crews for keeping the fire from spreading in the row of 25 units. Eight displaced residents are receiving temporary hotel accommodations through the American Red Cross.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the fire devastating and said officials are investigating its cause. He noted that e-bike fires have risen to more than 400 this year, and said the city is looking at every avenue to keep people safe. City Council Speaker Julie Menin expressed condolences and called for stronger lithium-ion battery safety measures, saying, "Our city is in mourning."