Local News
Watch: Massive flames spotted at roof of Soho Building in Manhattan, fire raised to 2nd alarm
Firefighters Battle Second-Alarm Blaze at Soho Building in Manhattan, Baby Reported Inside Smoke-Filled Penthouse
Emergency crews are responding to a significant roof fire at a building in the heart of Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood.
Massive flames and thick smoke were reported late Tuesday evening, initially described as coming from the area near Broadway and Broome Street.
The fire was first reported by a 911 caller, prompting police to arrive on the scene and confirm a heavy smoke condition.
Firefighters were dispatched to what was initially reported as 451 Broome Street but later confirmed to be 487 Broadway, which houses a TJ Maxx store on the ground level.
As firefighters arrived, the blaze was found to be concentrated on the roof, with flames spreading quickly.
The fire was elevated to a second alarm, bringing additional resources and personnel to the scene to combat the growing inferno.
Adding to the urgency, fire crews on the scene reported that a baby was inside the smoke-filled penthouse of the building. Rescue operations are ongoing as firefighters work to locate and safely evacuate anyone trapped inside.
This is a developing story, and authorities are expected to release more information as they assess the situation.
Residents and visitors in the area are advised to avoid the vicinity while emergency crews work to bring the fire under control.
Local News
Erica Austin killed in crash with dump truck in Birmingham

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.