In a heart-wrenching incident early on Easter Sunday, three individuals lost their lives, and a fourth person sustained critical injuries as flames engulfed an overcrowded residence in the Jamaica Estates neighborhood of Queens, New York. Fire officials reported that the home lacked a working smoke detector and had stairways and exits that were obstructed, raising serious safety concerns.

According to New York Fire Department Chief John Esposito, the residence featured makeshift walls that had been constructed within the home, including a partition running through the middle of the kitchen. This unusual layout may have contributed to the fires rapid spread.

Officials discovered several extension cords scattered throughout the two-story dwelling. The Electrical Safety Foundation International warns that these cords can pose significant fire hazards, particularly when overloaded or misused. As of now, the fire department is still working to determine the exact origin of the blaze, which quickly escalated in intensity.

Firefighters responded to the emergency within four minutes of receiving the call; however, the fire had already spread rapidly to the upper floors of the house. Eyewitness reports indicated that some residents were forced to jump out of the attic window in a desperate attempt to escape the flames, highlighting the urgency and peril of the situation.

Chief Esposito confirmed that individuals resided on both the lower and upper floors of the home, as well as in the cellar and attic, further complicating the emergency response. Adham Ammar, a second-floor resident, stated that approximately 10 to 15 people lived in the home, including the landlord. He was reportedly not present at the time of the fire.

This situation reflects the negligence of the landlord, Ammar remarked, expressing frustration and concern for safety in the residence. Despite attempts by the Associated Press to reach the landlord for comment, those efforts were unsuccessful.

New York City Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker emphasized the critical importance of fire safety during a press conference held on Sunday. We are not just encouraging we are begging all New Yorkers to ensure they have a functioning smoke alarm in their home, he stated. If possible, it is also vital to have a CO2 detector installed.

In a further note of concern, three firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze, underscoring the dangers that first responders face in such emergencies.