A fire in a New York City building has killed at least 19 people, including nine children, and injured 63 others.
According to news agencies Reuters and the Associated Press, it is being described as the worst fire in the city in three decades.Confirming the deaths, Stephen Ringle, a senior adviser to New York Mayor Eric Adams, said the dead children were aged 16 or under.
Stephen Ringle said that 13 people who were burnt in the incident are undergoing treatment in the hospital and their condition is critical.
New York Mayor Eric Adams tweeted: "We've lost 19 neighbors. This tragedy is beyond description. Pray for those who have gone with me, especially for the nine children whose lights went out at a very young age. "
According to Daniel Negro, commissioner of the fire department in New York City, most of the deaths were due to suffocation caused by smoke.
Daniel Negro said that according to the evidence seen by the officials and the statements of the residents, the fire started from the electric heater in the bedroom of a residential apartment.
The mayor thanked firefighters and said an investigation had been launched into the incident.
"The message for everyone affected by this tragedy is that your city will be with you in the days to come."
According to eyewitnesses, when the fire broke out, the residents of the tall building opened the windows and started calling for help.
