Three people were hurt, one critically, after a fire ripped through a Van Nest building on Wednesday night, sending all of the victims to Jacobi Medical Center, officials said. Firefighters arrived just before 9 p.m. at 654 Morris Park Avenue and worked to knock down flames that investigators say started in a street-level commercial space. The cause remains under investigation.
The FDNY confirmed the injuries and response, saying one person was critically injured, another suffered serious injuries and a third had minor wounds, as reported by News12 New York. Firefighters stayed on scene while investigators combed the property for the blaze’s origin and the extent of the damage.
Where the blaze began
The two-story property at 654 Morris Park Avenue contains street-level businesses and upper-floor residences. Business listings for the address, including a deli and a hookah shop, highlight the building's mixed commercial-residential layout. That ground-floor commercial configuration is consistent with investigators' initial description that the fire began in a commercial space. Los Tres Hermanitos Deli and One Hookah Plus are listed at the address.
Victims and hospital
All three people were transported to Jacobi Medical Center in Morris Park for treatment. The hospital is a principal trauma center serving the northeast Bronx, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi provides emergency and trauma services for the area.
Investigation and safety
Investigators remain on scene and have not released a confirmed cause, and city crews will continue the probe as property owners and tenants assess the damage. The FDNY emphasizes the importance of working smoke alarms and compliance with building fire-safety systems. Resources for residents and small businesses are available via FDNY Smart, which provides checklists and prevention tips.
