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Three Firefighters Killed, 50 Injured in New York Blaze
Three firefighters battling a blaze at a hardware store in New York were killed when an explosion left them buried beneath the rubble of the building's roof and brick facade.
The force of the blast Sunday threw some firefighters across the street, and churchgoers attending services next door were pitched from their seats. At least 48 rescue workers and two civilians were injured.
The hardware store, the Long Island General Supply Co., is on the first floor of the two-story building in Queens, with apartments above it.
"There were firemen lying underneath a wall of bricks," said Cleavon Wills, 27, who was playing keyboard at the Lighthouse Church. "They were unconscious and bloody and their raincoats were torn."
One firefighter was in critical condition and another was in serious condition early Monday. Most of the injured were treated at hospitals and released.
The fire, reported about 2:20 p.m., was brought under control early Monday. Smoldering debris and the possibility of additional explosive materials persuaded fire officials to take a cautious approach.
About 20 minutes after firefighters arrived, propane tanks and paint stored in the basement exploded, taking firefighters by surprise, officials said. The cause of the fire was under investigation early Monday.
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