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.
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.