An explosion and fire occurred Friday night at the Albany Houses, a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complex in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, resulting in one death and injuries. The incident, which began around 7 p.m., drew over 120 fire and emergency medical personnel to the scene. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 8 p.m.
An 18-year-old man sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported to One Brooklyn Health-Interfaith Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead by hospital staff, according to police. The victim has not yet been identified. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
A lithium-ion battery was reportedly linked to the fire, according to reports. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has not confirmed or denied this connection.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the incident. One neighbor, who identified herself as knowing the victim's family, told reporters that she had spoken with the victim's mother just the previous week. "And that’s messed up how we both moved here young with our small children and for her to lose one…that is tremendous," she said.
Debris, including clothing and personal belongings, was scattered outside the building following the explosion and fire.