Bronx Fire Kills Nine Children, One Adult

Firefighters battled a three-alarm fire in the Highbridge section of the Bronx on March 7.

The fire claimed the lives of nine children and one adult. Eight additional civilians were injured in the blaze.

The fire was reported at 11:08 p.m. in a four-story at 1022 Woodycrest Avenue and 164th Street.

Firefighters arrived in 3 minutes 23 seconds.  Upon their arrival, they found heavy fire and smoke conditions on the first and second floors, including the staircase.

A second alarm was transmitted at 11:15 p.m. and a third was called at 11:46 p.m. The fire was deemed under control at 1:06 a.m.

Approximately 33 units and 140 firefighters responded to the blaze.

Fire marshals interviewed a woman who lived on the first floor and she said she had awoken to flames near her bed. She evacuated with a 5-year-old child and returned with other adults in an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish the fire.

Seventeen people suffered injuries as a result of the fire.

Nine children died as a result of their injuries, including boys ages 1, 3, 6, 7, 11 and 6-months; girls ages 3, 6 and 6-months; and a 42-year-old woman.

Two girls ages 5 and 8 are listed in critical condition at Jacobi Medical Center.

Additionally two girls, ages 3 and 4, a 15-year-old boy, 24-year-old woman and 35-year-old woman were treated for minor injuries.

Four firefighters and one EMS supervisor also suffered minor injuries and were treated at Jacobi Medical Center.

Fire marshals determined the fire started on the first floor and was caused by an overheated space heater appliance cord.

Two smoke detectors were found in the building, but they did not contain batteries.

For information about how to keep your home fire safe, visit our fire safety information page.