Firefighters are battling to control a blaze in a six-storey apartment block in New York's Chinatown which killed at least one person.
Firefighters are battling to control a blaze in a six-storey apartment block in New York's Chinatown which killed at least one person.
Two firefighters are among 21 people injured in the fire which began just before 0400 (0900 GMT) in the city's Manhattan borough.
Two firefighters are among 21 people injured in the fire which began just before 0400 (0900 GMT) in the city's Manhattan borough.
Residents dressed in nothing but their night clothes fled into the street to safety in freezing temperatures.
Residents dressed in nothing but their night clothes fled into the street to safety in freezing temperatures.
There was no immediate word on the likely cause of the fire.
There was no immediate word on the likely cause of the fire.
At least five of the injured, who have been brought to the city's Bellevue and Beth Israel hospitals, are in critical condition, fire officials say.
At least five of the injured, who have been brought to the city's Bellevue and Beth Israel hospitals, are in critical condition, fire officials say.
About 170 firefighters are at the scene on James Street along with 39 fire engines, according to New York TV channel WPIX.
About 170 firefighters are at the scene on James Street along with 39 fire engines, according to New York TV channel WPIX.
Chinatown is a densely populated area, home to large numbers of Chinese immigrants.
Chinatown is a densely populated area, home to large numbers of Chinese immigrants.
'Stubborn fire'
The identity of the dead person, believed to be a man in his early thirties, was not immediately known, fire official Francis Gribbon told the New York Times.
The identity of the dead person, believed to be a man in his early thirties, was not immediately known, fire official Francis Gribbon told the New York Times.
One of those critically injured is a woman in her thirties who apparently jumped from the burning building, the official added.
One of those critically injured is a woman in her thirties who apparently jumped from the burning building, the official added.
Mr Gribbon said the fire might have begun on the fourth floor and spread.
"Most of the fire is concentrated in the back of the building," he told the newspaper.
"It's a stubborn fire, it's in the roof, through the roof, in the top floor."
Fire marshals were investigating the case of the blaze, he added.
He described the building as an old-style, narrow tenement that was not fire-proof. Adjoining buildings have been evacuated.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this accident, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this accident, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
