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Several Injured In Early Morning Blaze In Queens

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Eleven people were injured after a fire broke out overnight in Queens.

The fire erupted just before 2 a.m. Monday at a two-family home on 65th Avenue in Fresh Meadows. When firefighters arrived, they found flames quickly moving across the second floor.

The Abdurakhmanov family, who owns the home and lives on the first floor, made it out. But the fast-moving flames trapped the family on the second level.

Several Injured In Early Morning Blaze In Queens

"Basically, they woke up screaming 'fire, fire.' I called 911," said Susan Abdurakhmanov.

David Abdurakhmanov said a man on the second floor frantically tried to rescue his wife, six kids and two visitors.

"I saw the wife who was screaming with a baby in her hands," Abdurakhmanov said. "He ran inside and I never saw him again."

Eleven people, including a firefighter, were injured in the blaze, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported. Four people, including a 13 year old and 3 year old, were critically injured. The victims were found in the back of their apartment.

"The fire started in the kitchen. The victims were in the rear bedroom. Some tried to come out of their rooms and became unconscious," said FDNY Chief Mark Furran.

It took firefighters about 30 minutes to get the flames under control.

The Abdurakhmanovs were allowed back in to get some of their belongings. David Abdurakhmanov said he, his wife and four children are planning to stay with relatives until they can move back.

"I feel sorry for the other family," he said. "They're still in the hospital, but they are alive."

The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

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