Local News
Fourth-Alarm Fire in Queens Building Causes Stairwell Collapse, Two Firefighters Rescued After Mayday
A major fire response unfolded in Queens after a fourth-alarm structure fire broke out in a multi-story building, prompting a Mayday call from firefighters and a large-scale emergency response.
According to initial reports from the Fire Department of New York, the incident occurred at 44-49 College Point Boulevard, where crews responded to a fire inside a three-story brick commercial structure measuring approximately 75 by 100 feet.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions on the first and second floors of the building.
During firefighting operations, a collapse of the interior stairwell occurred, trapping two firefighters inside the structure and prompting an immediate Mayday declaration.
Emergency crews quickly initiated a rescue operation, and both trapped firefighters were successfully located and removed from the building within minutes. Officials confirmed that all firefighters operating at the scene were subsequently accounted for.
Due to the intensity of the fire and the structural hazards, incident commanders escalated the response to a fourth alarm, bringing additional units and specialized teams to the scene.
Emergency medical services reported that one civilian was in cardiac arrest and required immediate medical attention. In total, five civilians were evaluated by EMS, including one classified as a โred tagโ patient with critical injuries and four โgreen tagโ patients with minor conditions.
At the height of the operation, five hose lines were deployed as firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent further structural damage.
Officials described the fire conditions as difficult and unstable, with the situation remaining uncertain for a period of time due to the earlier collapse and ongoing fire activity.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the condition of the rescued firefighters or the injured civilian.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.
Local News
Two Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Service Members Killed in Fiery Car Crash in Pensacola Identified as David Martinez and Dreโ Kwon Lamont Bagley
PENSACOLA, Florida โ Two service members identified as David Martinez and Dreโ Kwon Lamont Bagley are among three sailors who died in a fiery car crash early Saturday, October 24, 2026, near Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The fatal crash has left the military community and residents of Pensacola grieving as friends and fellow service members remember the young sailors and share messages of support for their families.
The Pensacola Police Department said officers received a report of a traffic crash at approximately 1:35 a.m. near M Street and Cervantes Street.
When first responders reached the scene, they found the vehicle engulfed in flames, according to Officer Gordon of the Pensacola Police Department.
โUpon arrival, we found the vehicle engulfed in flames,โ Gordon said.
After firefighters extinguished the fire, emergency personnel discovered three sailors inside the vehicle. All three were dead.
The Naval Education and Training Command confirmed that the service members were stationed at NAS Pensacola. The Pensacola Police Department is leading the investigation into the fatal crash.
The two sailors identified in the information available for this report are David Martinez and Dreโ Kwon Lamont Bagley. Authorities have not provided the third sailor’s name in the information supplied.
The three service members were assigned to training commands at NAS Pensacola.
Two held the ranks of Navy E-1 and E-2 and served with the Naval Air Technical Training Center. The third, who held the rank of E-2, was assigned to the Naval Aviation Schools Command.
Both commands are located at NAS Pensacola, a military installation that serves as an important center for naval aviation training.
The loss of three service members has deeply affected people who knew them personally, including fellow sailors who remembered their friendship and the happiness they brought to their barracks.
As news of the crash spread, people who said they knew the victims began sharing memories and condolences on social media.
Daniela Cruz-Ortiz said she knew two of the sailors and remembered them as people who made life brighter for those around them.
โI knew two of them; they were amazing people with amazing smiles, making the whole barracks laugh and happy. May they all rest easy,โ she wrote.
Logan Bullock also paid tribute to one of the service members, describing him as humble and happy.
โI knew one of them; he was a great guy, very humble and happy. Rest easy, brother; you will be missed,โ Bullock commented.
The tributes offer a glimpse into the relationships the sailors built with friends and fellow service members. For those who knew the victims, the tragedy represents the loss of friends and shipmates whose presence made a difference in their lives.
Residents and community members have shared messages of sympathy for the victims’ families and the sailors who served alongside them.
Jenny Dallas expressed condolences and gratitude for the victims’ military service.
โMy deepest condolences to all their loved ones. God rest their souls. My thanks for their service. In Jesus’ name,โ she wrote.
Kiesha Dean offered prayers for the families, asking that they receive comfort during the difficult days ahead.
โPraying for those families. Praying God gives them comfort during this trying time, and thank you for their service to the service members,โ Dean commented.
Monese Roberts also shared a message of support, writing, โOh my. Prayers for their families and fellow service members.โ
Ronda Lee Wood extended her prayers to the victims’ families and first responders.
The messages reflect the community’s grief and its desire to stand with those affected by the loss.
The Naval Education and Training Command issued a statement mourning the deaths and offering condolences to the families, friends, and fellow sailors of the three service members.
Cmdr. David Gardner, the command’s public affairs representative, said:
โThe Navy mourns the loss of our shipmates and extends our deepest condolences to the sailors’ families, friends, and fellow sailors during this difficult time. Grief counseling service and support are available through local Navy chaplains.โ
The statement emphasizes the support available to service members and loved ones as they cope with the tragedy.
The Pensacola Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash at M Street and Cervantes Street.
The available information does not establish what caused the vehicle to crash or catch fire. Additional details about the circumstances leading up to the incident have not been provided.
The deaths of the three sailors have prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends, military colleagues, and members of the Pensacola community.
As investigators work to establish the circumstances of the crash, the victims’ loved ones are left to mourn three service members whose lives ended far too soon.
Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and fellow sailors grieving this heartbreaking loss.