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More than 100 firefighters were sent to a Queens hospital where a blaze filled the clear blue sky with thick black smoke.
The first fire crews rushed to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway shortly after 5 p.m. on reports of a rooftop fire, according to an FDNY spokesperson. Flames could be seen in the air for several hours.
Videos and images of the building blaze quickly appeared on social media as the top of the hospital burned down. Firefighters had to evacuate the entire 11th floor of the hospital, bringing dozens of patients and staff to the parking lot. Most of the other patients and staff were able to shelter in place, while those in the emergency room were evacuated.
News 4 Black smoke fills the sky over Queens as seen from JFK Airport.
Officials said all emergency calls were to be diverted to other hospitals, some over 45 minutes away.
Investigators believe the fire started on the roof, where Deputy Deputy Chief Fred Schaaf said work was underway. He did not say whether the work was related to the fire, however, and the exact cause was still unclear.
Teams said only one firefighter was slightly injured, but given the proximity of the 9/11 anniversary, the chaotic scene worried an already on edge community.
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