140 firefighters respond to three-alarm fire in Elmhurst, at least 1 death reported

(Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

By Anthony Payero

(QUEENS, N.Y.) One person was reported dead after a large fire broke out on a rooftop in Queens on Tuesday, the New York City Fire Department said, per ABC 7 NY.

The fire started at a high-rise building on 41st Avenue and 74th Street in the Elmhurst section of the borough around 10:26 a.m., where locals said there was a slow rumble followed by a boisterous sound.

The magnitude of the explosion led some residents to believe a plane hit their apartment building, per ABC 7.

Officials reported one death, who was the resident in the unit where the explosion took place.

At least 140 firefighters were present to fight the three-alarm fire and four suffered injuries in doing so.

Firefighters continue to evacuate the area as inspectors arrived to inspect the structural integrity of the building.

The surrounding area was filled with flames and heavy smoke coming from the rooftop of the building.

According to the FDNY, the fire started on the sixth floor and spread to the rooftop.

Locals were told to prepare for traffic delays and road closures around Elmhurst as a result of the blaze.

Officials have not pinpointed the cause of the fire and the investigation remains active.

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