Up to 53 hurt in New York fire; 2 in critical condition

An accidental apartment building blaze in New York's Bronx left as many as 53 people hurt, including 14 firefighters, authorities said.

Photo: Up to 53 hurt in New York fire; 2 in critical condition

Up to 53 hurt in New York fire; 2 in critical condition

Firefighters said five civilians were seriously injured, and police said two men remained in critical condition early Monday.

Firefighters carried people down ladders to rescue them from the 17-story building, where the fire was reported on the first floor shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday (0100 GMT Monday). Firefighters worked for more than 90 minutes to get the blaze under control.

The total number of injuries was unclear, as firefighters reported 39 civilian injuries and police 29. Firefighters said five people were treated at the scene and the rest were taken to various hospitals.

The Fire Department said 14 firefighters were hurt, none of them seriously.

The blaze was ruled an accident, police said.