13 Injured in Fire at Brownsville NYCHA Building, Investigation Underway to Determine Cause

Last evening, a fire broke out at a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complex in Brownsville, Brooklyn, leaving 13 people injured, as flames engulfed parts of the building located at 268 Osborn St. ABC7 NY reports that the fire began just after 7 p.m. in the Brownsville Houses, affecting the fourth and fifth floors of the six-story structure.

Despite the quick response of firefighters who arrived at the scene, deploying ladders to reach residents trapped amidst the thick smoke in the hallways, nine individuals required transport to local hospitals while four others, despite the urgency and the pandemonium, refused medical attention at the scene, according to what News 12 Brooklyn has learned. The FDNY managed to bring the blaze under control by approximately 8 p.m., containing what could have escalated into a more disastrous event.

Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire; FDNY Fire Marshals are currently undertaking an investigation to identify what sparked the incident. The injuries sustained by those affected are thankfully considered non-life-threatening. 

This morning, interactions with the American Red Cross were initiated to ascertain the extent of support being provided to the displaced families, News 12 has reached out to the organization for details on how many residents are receiving assistance.