Firefighters and emergency personnel helped children and families out of Independence Plaza Aug. 10.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AUG 11, 2014 | Twenty-five firefighter units responded to a fire at Independence Plaza North at 310 Greenwich St. in Tribeca at 8:40 p.m. Sunday night, according to the New York City Fire Department.
There were eight injuries, including one firefighter, and five people were taken to the hospital for treatment. Three people were injured but refused medical attention.
The fire that started on the fifth floor of the 39-story apartment building Aug. 10, was under control by 10:25 p.m.
“I could smell the smoke in our apartment,” said Cristina Garcia-Coleman, 34, a lifelong resident of the complex whose apartment is on the 27th floor. She tried to leave but was unable go further down than three flights because the smoke was too intense.
Jay Paltoo, 33, another lifelong resident, was not there when the fire occurred, but noticed its consequences. “The elevator smelled like burnt plastic,” said Paltoo, who resides on the 30th floor.
It may have been a rubbish fire, according to the F.D.N.Y, but the cause is still under investigation.
— Dusica Sue Malesevic
