An explosion and fire at a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complex in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Friday night has resulted in one death, according to police and fire officials. A lithium-ion battery is reportedly linked to the blaze.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on the 12th floor of the Albany Houses near Prospect Place. The explosion drew a response of over 120 fire and emergency medical service personnel. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames by approximately 8 p.m.
The 18-year-old victim was transported to One Brooklyn Health-Interfaith Medical Center with serious, life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced dead by hospital staff, police stated.
While authorities have not yet officially identified the victim, the cause of the explosion is under investigation. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has not confirmed whether a lithium-ion battery was directly involved in the incident.
Neighbors expressed shock and sadness. 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," the neighbor said, reflecting on the tragedy.