By Paul Lomax and Tom Liddy
DNAinfo Reporters
BROOKLYN — A 7-year-old boy, Joel Smith, was killed in a massive fire in Bushwick Sunday morning that also left several people seriously injured, authorities said.
The victim, whose name was released by police, was found in a rear bedroom of 1066 Decatur St., near Evergreen Avenue after the third alarm fire broke out there at 1:21 a.m., according to the FDNY.
He was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Fire officials said that the blaze broke out on the first floor of the the three-story building and rapidly consumed the entire structure, spreading to an adjoining building.
Smith's mother and another man suffered minor injuries and were taken to Wyckoff Hospital, the FDNY said.
A 34-year-old man was critically injured in the blaze and rushed to New York Hospital.
Four others were seriously injured and taken to Wyckoff and Woodhull hospitals.
"It happened so fast. I was watching TV with my husband and then smoke started to come in from everywhere," said Joanne Smith, 37, who lives on the third floor. "We ran. I was screaming and we just ran for our lives."
The boy's death left neighbors shaken.
"Oh my God, I feel so sorry for the family," said Mohamed, 29, who did not want his last name used.
And Melissa Acevedo, who lives down the block, said: "This is so bad. For this to happen after the holidays is terrible."
The 138 firefighters who raced to the scene were able to bring the fire under control by 2:48 a.m., the FDNY said.
Officials said that the cause was under investigation.
