Fire kills six, injures seven in Brooklyn home

A fire broke out in a residential home in Brooklyn early on Thursday, resulting in six deaths and seven injuries, according to the city’s fire department.

The blaze, which started around 1:40 a.m. on 58th Street between 6th and 7th avenues, spread rapidly through the two-storey house and another nearby home before being brought under control after three hours.

More than 200 first responders were dispatched to the scene, with the fire department noting that the cause of the fire was being investigated.

A lithium-ion battery, or possibly two, was found at the scene, but officials said it was unclear whether it contributed to the fire.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised firefighters and first responders when he appeared on television early on Thursday. He acknowledged the courage of firefighters and addressed fire prevention and safety, noting that e-bike fires have increased to more than 400 in the city this year.

Four victims died at the scene, while two others with critical injuries were later pronounced dead at a hospital. Four individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and three firefighters were reported to have minor injuries.