1 person killed, 1 seriously hurt and several displaced when fire rips through home in Hempstead
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- One person was killed and another was seriously hurt when a fire ripped through a home Monday in Hempstead.
Firefighters were called around 6:30 a.m. to the two-family home on Front Street.
Flames could be seen shooting out of the second story of the house. Fire officials say a woman, who has not been identified, was trapped, and by the time they reached her, it was too late.
Her body was removed Monday afternoon by the medical examiner's office.
"I do hope for the family and pray for the family of the person who passed," one neighbor said.
"I just hope they can recover from this," another neighbor said.
Neighbors say the thick smoke quickly engulfed the home. To escape it, fire officials say one man jumped from the second floor, injuring his neck and back. Another man suffered serious burns to his face and hands and is being treated in the hospital.
Officials said more than 50 firefighters were on the scene trying to put it out and get people to safety.
"It's really sad. I never saw something like that in my life," a neighbor said. "I just think of these people, if they don't have no place to go."
Fire officials say at least five other adults and two children escaped from the house with no injuries.
Investigators were seen removing many items from the home, including an e-scooter, but say they're still looking at several possibilities as a cause.
"They are still, right now, at this time, investigating cause and origin. We cannot divulge whether or not it's suspicious or not suspicious," said Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael F. Uttaro.
The Department of Buildings will determine whether or not the home is safe to re-enter. For now, all of the residents are being assisted by the Red Cross.
