Six dead and seven injured in fire at Brooklyn building

Six people have died after a large fire broke out in a residential building in Brooklyn, New York City, officials say.

Seven others were hurt in the blaze, which occurred early on Thursday morning, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) told US media.

According to the FDNY statement, seen by the BBC’s US partner CBS News, more than 230 fire and emergency medical personnel were sent to the scene near Sunset Park around 01:40 local time (06:40 GMT).

The cause of the blaze is not yet known. The BBC has asked FDNY for further comment.

A crew specialising in hazardous materials was also sent to the scene because of the presence of a lithium-ion battery, although it was not clear whether this was linked to the blaze.

The emergency responders reportedly discovered on their arrival that the building’s first and second floors had been engulfed by flames.

The bodies of four of those who died were found inside the building. Two others were found in a critical condition and later died. US media reports varied on whether they died in hospital, or while being taken there.

For the seven survivors, the injuries ranged from minor to serious.