18 children, 4 others injured after basement fire in Queens
NEW YORK - Officials are investigating a fire in Queens that left nearly two dozen children injured, one of them seriously.
It happened around 2 p.m. Wednesday.
In a frenzy, firefighters rushed to get everyone out of the two-story home on 72nd Drive near 147th Street.
"They were running, and the smoke was intense," said Anny Phillip, who works nearby.
It took about 40 minutes for crews to get the fire under control.
First responders say 22 people were injured, 18 of them children. Most were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
One child was taken to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
"That was scary, to see a whole bunch of kids coming out. I saw one in a blanket that a firefighter took, I think, and he had a blanket. He was running with him because I guess that one was probably really bad," Phillip said.
FDNY sources say the blaze tore through the basement of what they believe to be an unlicensed daycare. Department of Buildings inspectors noticed that the basement was being used for two commercial businesses -- a daycare and a dental lab.
"It's really unfortunate, and I hope that those kids are gonna be OK. At the end of the day, that's really what we can hope for," neighbor Kimberly Melendez said.
Officials say the fire was sparked by a lithium-ion battery, something they're seeing more of each year.
"You should be using UL or other regulated and certified batteries. They should not be charged in the entranceway or pathway to leave your house or apartment. You should not charge them overnight," said FDNY Chief of Operations John Esposito.
The fire was confined to the basement, but smoke entered the first and second floors. The DOB issued a full vacate order on the building.
Residents that have been displaced will be offered emergency housing from the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, the DOB issued violations for work that was done inside the home without a permit.
