Three men were killed when flames tore through an abandoned home overnight in Queens.
Police sources told CBS2 the cause is believed to be suspicious. Firefighters were called shortly after midnight to Farmers Boulevard near 111th Avenue in the St. Albans section.
When crews arrived, they found the men – believed to be squatters – already dead inside the house.
Four of the 200 firefighters who responded were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Neighbors said they’ve seen people going in and out for warmth for a while.
“They don’t’ want to go to a shelter or whatever. They chose an abandoned home,” said neighbor Linda Wong. “It’s a human being, you know. You don’t got to die like that… I’m distraught. I’m just praying for them. You know, it’s sad, it’s terrible.”