A blaze in a six-storey apartment block in New York's Chinatown has killed at least one person and injured at least 21, including several firefighters.
A blaze in a six-storey apartment block in New York's Chinatown has killed at least one person and injured at least 21, including several firefighters.
The fire in the city's Manhattan borough, which broke out just before 0400 (0900 GMT), was largely under control by mid-morning.
The fire in the city's Manhattan borough, which broke out just before 0400 (0900 GMT), was largely under control by mid-morning.
Residents dressed in nothing but their night clothes had fled into the street to safety in freezing temperatures.
Residents dressed in nothing but their night clothes had 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 are in critical condition, fire officials say.
At least five of the injured are in critical condition, fire officials say.
At one point, about 170 firefighters and up to 39 fire engines were at the scene on James Street.
At one point, about 170 firefighters and up to 39 fire engines were at the scene on James Street.
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'
'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.
Different fire officials told US media the fire had started either on the second or fourth floor.
Different fire officials told US media the fire had started either on the second or fourth floor.
"Most of the fire is concentrated in the back of the building," Mr Gribbon told the newspaper.
"Most of the fire is concentrated in the back of the building," Mr Gribbon told the newspaper.
"It's a stubborn fire, it's in the roof, through the roof, in the top floor."
"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.
Fire marshals were investigating the cause of the blaze, he added.
He described the building as an old-style, narrow tenement that was not fire-proof.
He described the building as an old-style, narrow tenement that was not fire-proof.
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.
