WASHINGTON, 29 December (BelTA - Anadolu Agency) - At least 12 people dead and 15 were seriously injured in a massive building fire in New York City late Thursday, press secretary for the New York Mayor said.
The blaze broke out in a five-story building's third floor and quickly spread near the Bronx Zoo and a college.
Eric Phillips, press secretary for New York's Mayor Bill de Blasio, said there were 12 fatalities but the death toll was still uncertain and it may rise.
New York City Fire Department (FDNY) said more than 160 firefighters were on the scene and battling the flames in bone-chilling cold, -9 celsius degrees, to rescue people from the building and the fire is not yet under control.
The victims reported injured were in either serious or critical condition and were taken to nearby Medical Centers, according to the FDNY.
