1 Dead, 4 Injured In 4-Alarm Rooftop Fire After Explosion: FDNY

ELMHURST, QUEENS — One person died and four firefighters were injured after an explosion on Tuesday morning set an Elmhurst apartment building's roof on fire, causing a partial building collapse, fire officials said.

Just before 10:30 a.m., the fire department reported a fire on the roof of a building at 73-1 41 Avenue, caused by an explosion in the penthouse above the sixth floor.

By 1:30 p.m., the fire — which was still not under control — had been upgraded to a four-alarm blaze, with firefighters requesting additional units for help as the blaze caused major damage to apartments and an outside wall.

Firefighters found that one person had already died when they got to the building, according to the FDNY. As of 1:30 p.m., four firefighters were hurt battling the blaze and sent to local hospitals with "minor injuries," fire officials said.

The FDNY called multiple fire department units, hazmat and collapse task forces, and the Department of Buildings to the scene, in order to help battle the blaze.

The DOB is trying to figure out the best way to secure the building's damaged wall, and prevent further harm to the structure, the FDNY said.

Fire officials expect that their efforts to control the blaze will be "ongoing."

Online reports show flames and smoke billowing from the top of the six-story building, which has 41 apartments.

A traffic report shows that 41 Avenue is closed in both directions between 21 Street and 23 Street.

This is a developing news story, refresh for updates.