[UPDATE BELOW] 6:38PM EST: Williamsburg residents awoke on Shabbos morning to a thick smell of smoke in the air, and dozens of FDNY vehicles racing through the quiet streets. 

At approximately 9:00AM, FDNY firefighters arrived at 138 Division Avenue [near Driggs] to find a heavily involved two story commercial structure – with residential apartments on the second floors. Firefighters stretched lines, set up ladders and called for a second alarm. Numerous people were reportedly trapped in the fire.

Fearing the worst, at least 10 Hatzolah ambulances were dispatched from Williamsburg, Crown Heights, and the Lower East Side.

Before being brought under control, the FDNY ordered a third alarm response to respond, following a partial collapse of the structure.

Sources tell YWN that a 100-year-old resident is R”L unaccounted for, and is feared to still be inside the building.

Misaskim is working with NYC officials, including the mayors Office of Emergency Management (OEM), to allow trained rescue personnel to enter the unstable building to search for the missing resident.

The building housed Quality Healthcare (a widely used medical clinic), Clymer Terrace (a small simcha hall), as well as a local pharmacy.

Besides for the unaccounted resident, there were no reports of injuries or casualties.

YWN will bring you updated information as soon as it becomes available to us.

UPDATE 1:38AM EST: Just moments ago, Misaskim volunteers were seen carrying out the body of R’ Dovid Weiss Z”L.

UPDATE 1:55AM EST: The body of R’ Dovid Weiss is being transported by Misaskim to the nearby Yireim Chapels in Williamsburg. 

UPDATE 8:54AM EST: The Levaya is scheduled to take place at 1:00PM EST (Sunday afternoon) in front of 500 Bedford Avenue (the home of the Satmar Rov ZATZAL). The Kevura will take place in Eretz Yisroel.

(YWN-104 / Eli Gefen YWN-HPO Desk)