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4 dead, including child, after 4-alarm fire in Flushing, Queens
By
Charles Lane
Published Mar 16, 2026
Modified Mar 17, 2026
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By
Charles Lane
Published Mar 16, 2026
Modified Mar 17, 2026
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At least four people, including a 3-year-old girl, were killed when a four-alarm fire tore through a three-story brick building in Flushing, Queens on Monday afternoon, FDNY officials said.
The fire broke out just before 12:30 p.m. at 44-49 College Point Blvd., spreading through at least five apartments on the second and third floors of the building and a ground-floor commercial space, officials said. More than 230 firefighters responded to the scene before the fire was placed under control just before 2:45 p.m.
“This is a difficult and tragic day,” FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said in a statement. “There were several victims in this fire. The Fire Department did an extraordinary job under difficult circumstances, putting this fire out and saving people. I can't thank them enough for their continued efforts and commitment to life safety.”
Officials said firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on all three floors. Three people jumped from the building’s upper floors as the fire spread, according to Kevin Woods, the FDNY’s chief of fire operations.
“We noticed three jumpers, three people that jumped from the upper floors,” Woods said. “There was also a victim trapped at the second floor, which our members removed via a portable ladder.”
Woods said firefighters were performing CPR on victims in the street while crews battled the blaze.
Officials said three people were pronounced dead at the scene and another died at the hospital.
At least one injured person was taken to Jacobi Medical Center in critical condition. At least three others were seriously injured and taken to Booth Memorial Hospital, officials said. At least six firefighters were also injured and are in stable condition.
The FDNY operates at a 4-alarm fire at 44-49 College Point Blvd.
“We’re mourning the loss of four New Yorkers after today’s devastating four-alarm fire in Flushing,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on social media. “Residents have been displaced and the building suffered significant damage.”
Two firefighters were briefly trapped when a stairwell collapsed as crews moved from the first floor to the second floor, officials said. The building sustained heavy damage.
“Absolutely heartbroken to learn of today’s tragic fire in Flushing,” state Sen. John Liu from Queens said in a statement. “The hearts of our entire community are with all those affected by this devastating tragedy, especially the family members, friends, and loved ones of the victims.”
Woods said windy conditions complicated the response.
“The wind definitely impacts firefighter operations,” he said. “The fire travels with the wind.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials have not yet released the names or ages of all the victims.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Tagged
public safety
queens
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
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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