Watch CBS News

37 Residents Injured In Bronx High-Rise Fire

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Thirty-seven people were injured Saturday morning in a fire in the Melrose section of the Bronx.

As CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported, the three-alarm fire broke out during the 8 a.m. hour in the Michelangelo Apartments development, at 225 E. 149th St.

As of 9:30 a.m., the scene remained active, with dozens of firefighters attending to neighbors who were making their way out of the building.

The fire left 37 people injured. Five were in critical condition, 1010 WINS reported.

Five firefighters were among the injured.

The fire broke out on the fifth floor of the 27-story building, officials said. Neighbors said they had to take the stairs to get down, as the elevators were completely flooded.

As of 9:30 a.m., firefighters were inside the building, going from apartment to apartment making sure that everyone escaped.

One neighbor, James Smith, described the scene as the fire broke out.

"Chaos, chaos – I mean, slammed with black smoke; real thick black smoke. And I'm happy we're alive," Smith said.

He said one of his neighbors was not able to make it out before losing consciousness.

"My neighbor on 21 didn't. He passed out by the elevator, and that's when we tried our best to get out," Smith said. "I mean, it was bad."

As of 9:30 a.m., firefighters were making sure all residents were accounted for outside the building.

Please leave your comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.