Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Police say 2 dead in Bronx apartment building fire
By
Michelle Bocanegra
and
Charles Lane
Published Jun 14, 2023
Modified Jun 14, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Karolis Kavolelis/Shutterstock
By
Michelle Bocanegra
and
Charles Lane
Published Jun 14, 2023
Modified Jun 14, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A three-alarm blaze that began on the top floor of a Bronx apartment building killed two people early Wednesday and injured several others, officials said.
A woman and man died as a result of the fire, though their identities have not been officially released, police said. The woman, 38, who lived in the top-floor apartment where the blaze began, was among those who died, according to her sister, who spoke to Gothamist on the scene.
A chaotic scene unfolded as officials received reports of a fire at the five-story residential building near the intersection of 242nd Street and Barnes Avenue around 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday. One person who saw the fire as it was happening said they saw a man try to escape the building but go back inside.
“I saw a person in the apartment and he couldn't escape,” said Chantell Levy, a neighbor. “He didn't jump ... he was trying to escape but he was afraid and waiting for someone to rescue him and he didn't make it out.”
Another neighbor told Gothamist they saw emergency responders giving CPR to someone who was still engulfed in flames on the sidewalk.
The fire began in the apartment and rapidly spread toward the building's roof, fire officials said. It escalated to a three-alarm fire and was brought under control by firefighters around 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday.
The man was pronounced dead on the scene, while the woman was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead, around 11 a.m., police said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Eight people received medical treatment due to the fire — five FDNY members and three civilians, according to the fire department’s update around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The condition of the survivors is unclear.
According to her sister, the female victim lived with a 30-year-old man and 14-year-old boy. It’s unclear if they were related. The family does not know the teenager's whereabouts.
Due to incorrect information initially provided by the NYPD, this story has been updated to reflect the genders of the victims. This is a developing story.
Tagged
nypd
fire
fdny
bronx
Michelle Bocanegra
Read more
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .