Flushing New World Mall Fire: Thick Smoke Billows as Staff and Customers Urgently Evacuate

On March 29th (Saturday) around 10 a.m., a second alarm fire broke out at New World Mall in the heart of Flushing, New York’s Chinese community. The mall building was filled with acrid smoke and thick smoke billowed from the rooftop. Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction. Businesses and customers inside the building were promptly evacuated.

Walking along Main Street, this reporter witnessed thick smoke billowing from the rooftop of the fourth floor of New World Mall.

Over 100 firefighters from 25 units were called in for firefighting efforts, searching for the source of the fire and using large fans to ventilate the building and clear the smoke. The New York City Fire Department deployed three fire hoses to contain the fire in the basement area where it originated.

Main Street, from Roosevelt Avenue to Kissena Boulevard, was temporarily closed in both directions, causing traffic congestion and bus detours. Pedestrian sidewalks were overflowing with people, leading to severe blockages.

Authorities stated that the fire was classified as a second alarm, with initial investigations pointing towards a malfunction in the electrical room of the underground parking garage.

A local resident named Zhao Shuhua told reporters that around 10 a.m., she passed by the entrance of New World Mall at 12-36 Roosevelt Avenue and smelled a pungent and unpleasant odor of smoke. Thick smoke was seen emerging from the mall, prompting people to flee from inside.

Security personnel informed reporters that the thick smoke originated from the basement level, spreading throughout the building. Multiple alarm bells were ringing incessantly, prompting urgent evacuations. Smoke was visible escaping from the rooftop as well.

An employee working at New World Supermarket mentioned to reporters that the staff detected a strong and acrid smoke odor, making them uncomfortable, so they quickly evacuated.

By 12:15 p.m., the fire was brought under control, with no reports of casualties.

Due to the closure of Main Street, where over 20 bus routes pass through, the bus schedules were disrupted, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) dispatched personnel to reroute buses near the library triangle. By 3:30 p.m., the traffic blockade on Main Street was lifted, gradually restoring normal traffic flow.

New World Mall houses a food court with over 20 eateries, New World Supermarket, Jing Fong Restaurant, and dozens of other businesses. Saturdays are typically bustling with shoppers in Flushing’s central district, making it one of the busiest times for merchants. The fire incident will significantly impact the mall’s business operations.