NEW YORK, NY – A tragic fire erupted early Wednesday morning in a high-rise building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, leaving one person dead and another critically injured. The blaze, which began around 3:13 a.m. at The Verdi, located between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues, claimed the life of a 41-year-old health aide and left a 77-year-old resident in critical condition.
The flames were first reported on the 14th floor of the building, with video footage showing intense fire shooting out of the apartment windows. Both victims were found inside the bathroom of the apartment, where they appeared to have sought refuge from the fire. The elderly woman was transported to New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Cornell Burn Unit, while the health aide was taken to Mount Sinai West, where she was pronounced dead.
Fire marshals on the scene have indicated that the cause of the fire is likely electrical, possibly originating from a kitchen appliance. Nearly 80 firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the incident, working swiftly to contain the fire to the single apartment.
Residents in the building reported the chaos of the early morning hours. One resident on the seventh floor described seeing embers falling past her window and bouncing off her air conditioning unit. Another resident on the 12th floor recounted hearing footsteps and fire engines before witnessing the blaze firsthand.
Despite the severity of the fire, officials confirmed that the damage was limited to the affected apartment, and no other residents were displaced from The Verdi. As investigations continue, fire investigators are working diligently to determine the exact cause of the fire and what led to the tragic loss of life.
The Upper West Side community is reeling from the incident, with neighbors expressing shock and sadness at the loss. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant about fire safety, particularly with electrical appliances.
The Verdi, known for its historic charm and location, is now a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety measures in residential buildings. The community is left to mourn as they await further updates from fire officials.