Bronx Fire

Bronx Apartment Fire Death Toll Revised Down to 17

Mayor: Malfunctioning Door May Have Contributed to Tragedy

Revised Death Toll

New York City officials have revised the death toll from a deadly fire in the Bronx on Sunday, January 9, 2022. The fire, which ripped through a 19-story high-rise apartment building, initially claimed the lives of 19 people, including eight children. However, after further investigation, the death toll has been revised down to 17.

Mayor Eric Adams, during a press conference on Monday, announced the revised death toll. He also revealed that a door in the building may have malfunctioned, contributing to the spread of the fire and smoke.

Cause of the Fire

Fire Commissioner Dan Nigro has determined that the fire originated in a duplex apartment on a lower floor. Preliminary investigations indicate that a malfunctioning electric space heater caused the blaze.

The fire quickly spread through the building, with smoke and flames engulfing the stairwells and hallways. Many residents were trapped in their apartments, unable to escape. Firefighters responded quickly but faced intense heat and heavy smoke, making it difficult to contain the fire and rescue victims.

Impact on the Community

The Bronx apartment fire has devastated the local community. The building housed over 100 families, many of whom have lost everything. The fire has also raised concerns about the safety of older buildings in New York City and the need for improved fire safety measures.

The city is providing assistance to the victims and their families, including temporary housing and counseling. A fund has also been established to raise money for those affected by the fire.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the fire is ongoing. Fire marshals are working to determine the exact cause of the blaze and identify any potential code violations or other factors that contributed to the tragedy.