1 Killed In Car Fire In Hastings-on-Hudson Parking Lot

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY — A car fire in Westchester County has left one person dead despite rescuers' best efforts.

In a statement released Saturday evening, Hastings-on-Hudson Police Chief David Dosin and Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Chief Brian Schnibbe said that on Friday, at approximately 5:45 p.m., they received a report of a car fire in the municipal lot with the driver trapped inside.

Once on the scene, Hastings police and fire chiefs found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames in the northwest corner of the parking lot, in between bushes and fencing.

Witnesses told them that someone was still inside the vehicle.

Police Officers Fattorini, Aliotta and Fasano attempted to put out the flames, gain access to the car and remove the trapped person. Fire Chiefs Schnibbe, Gunther, Lindner and DeSouza arrived soon after to continue efforts with firefighting gear.

However, the fire was fueled by surrounding brush and a westerly wind from the river, making it too intense for rescuers to to get close enough to the vehicle. The person in the car lost their life, officials said.

Once fire appartatus arrived on the scene, with enough water to fight the blaze, the fire was extinguished.

"We sincerely extend our condolences for this sorrowful outcome," the statement said.

The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing and is being handled by Hastings Police Department detectives.

"The police and first arriving fire members as always, gave their best effort to save this life," the statement said. "In the aftermath of this tragedy in our hometown, we acknowledge their selflessness and are sorry that despite best efforts a life was lost. Many residents have reached out to check on Police and Fire Department personnel and we thank you for your continued support."

Authorities said that the police department, the fire department and EMS will be reviewing the operation and outcome with the Westchester County Emergency Services Critical Incident Stress Management Team, along with Guardian Revival Support Group.