95-Year-Old Woman Dies in Queens House Fire; Daughter and Great-Granddaughter Critically Injured

A heartbreaking fire in Queens has claimed the life of a 95-year-old woman and left her daughter and 6-year-old great-granddaughter fighting for their lives. The early-morning blaze, which tore through a family home in the St. Albans neighborhood, has shaken the community and raised urgent questions about fire safety in older residences.

Fire Breaks Out Early in the Morning

The fire erupted shortly before 8 a.m., catching the household off guard. Flames began in the basement and moved quickly through the two-story home, filling the building with thick smoke. Firefighters arrived within minutes and worked urgently to rescue those inside.

Despite their efforts, the elderly woman could not be saved. Her daughter and great-granddaughter were pulled from the home unconscious and rushed to the hospital. Both remain in critical condition.

Investigators Look Into Possible Cause

Fire investigators are examining what sparked the blaze. Early observations from neighbors suggest a possible mechanical issue in the basement, but officials have not confirmed the cause. The rapid spread of the fire has put additional focus on heating systems and electrical setups in older homes.

Authorities emphasized that determining the exact cause will take time, as fire marshals continue their detailed inspection of the property.

Neighborhood in Shock

Longtime residents of the area described the victim as a warm, gentle woman who had lived in the community for decades. Neighbors said they often saw her sitting on the porch during the summer, greeting passersby with a smile.

The tragedy has left many in the neighborhood shaken. Some spoke of the fear they felt when they saw smoke pouring from the home, while others expressed grief knowing the family had lived there for generations.

Firefighters Praise Quick Response, Stress Safety Measures

Firefighters battling the blaze used both interior access points and ladders to rescue the victims. Their rapid response helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes.

Officials stressed the importance of:

• Working smoke alarms on every floor

• Regular maintenance of boilers and heating equipment

• Clear escape plans, especially for multigenerational families

• Fire safety education for children and seniors

They urged residents to take proactive steps to identify hazards before winter temperatures increase reliance on indoor heating.

Community Support and Ongoing Investigation

Local organizations and community leaders have offered support to the family as they cope with the loss and the critical injuries of the surviving members. Counseling and emergency resources are being made available.

Authorities continue to piece together details of the deadly blaze and are expected to release further information once the investigation concludes.

A Reminder of the Importance of Home Safety

This tragedy underscores the need for vigilance, especially in homes where elderly individuals and young children reside. As temperatures drop and heating systems work harder, experts remind households to schedule inspections, check smoke detectors, and review safety plans.

The Queens community is now rallying behind the injured survivors while mourning the loss of a beloved elder whose presence had long been a part of the neighborhood’s fabric.