Six people sustained injuries after a fire broke out at the Rockefeller Center. The fire, however, was under control and put out even before firefighters arrived at the scene.
The incident started when one of the cameras on the elevated part of the observation deck Tock of the Rock caught fire. People on the lower level of the observation deck were injured when the embers from the burning camera fell on them.
"Five adults were injured but refused treatment at the scene, and one child was transported to New York Presbyterian Hospital with minor injuries," said Khalid Baylor, spokesperson for the New York Fire Department.
The fire happened just after 7:30 p.m. local time, but was already extinguished by the time firefighters came. Firefighters on scene aided the victims, including the child that was brought to the hospital. Ironically, the Rockefeller Center is also home to the FDNY Fire Zone which aims to raise public awareness about fire safety. While the fire started from a camera on the observation deck, it is still not clear as to why the piece of equipment caught fire in the first place. Investigations are still underway to determine the cause of the fire.
The Top of the Rock, as the observation deck is known, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New York. A trip to the observation deck takes guests 70 floors up to enjoy breath-taking views of the city. There are three viewing decks offering 360-degree views of New York City, from the skyline to Central Park, so the Top of the Rock is must-see for anyone visiting The Big Apple. Guests also have the opportunity to have their picture taken by a professional team from Kodak to have something to remember their visit to the observation deck. The Top of the Rock is open daily from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight, with the last elevator going up at 11:00 p.m.
In 1996, a fire, also at the Rockefeller Center, sent NBC down to 49th street, forcing the network to do go about its day on the sidewalk. It happened before dawn and damaged cable conduits from the 5th floor to the 10th floor, shooting smoke through halls, studios and offices. Only the floors occupied by NBC were closed all day, which included all of the lowest 15 floors. Tenants on the 16th floor and up, including the Rainbow Room restaurant, were allowed into the premises by late morning.
