A tragic incident unfolded in Harlem on Sunday afternoon as a fire claimed the life of a woman, local authorities reported.
Emergency crews, including police and firefighters, responded to the blaze in a six-story residence located on West 140th Street, nestled between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, shortly after 4:30 p.m., the NYPD confirmed.
The victim, a 62-year-old woman whose identity has not been disclosed, was declared deceased at the location by emergency medical services, police stated.
Nyla Redding, 28, a witness at the scene, described the intensity of the situation to The Post, saying, “The smoke was incredibly thick and dark, pouring out of the window. When you see that many firetrucks, you realize the severity of the fire. It’s a heartbreaking loss that there was a casualty.”
According to PIX 11, approximately 80 firefighters and EMS staff were engaged in efforts to control the flames.
Officials reported that the 1-alarm fire was successfully extinguished after more than an hour of firefighting efforts.
“It looked really bad for a minute there — but I didn’t find out until later that someone had died,” said 40-year-old witness Anthony March.
“I feel terrible for her, terrible for her family. One minute you’re enjoying a beautiful Sunday, the next you’re gone. And such a terrible way to go,” he added.
A charred teddy bear was spotted on the roof of an SUV in front of the building where the flames broke out.
The cause of the inferno is under investigation by the FDNY Fire Marshals’ office.
The FDNY did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
