21 hurt after Queens house fire spreads to adjoining buildings, officials say

Nearly two dozen people have been hurt in a fire in Flushing, Queens, officials say.

The fire was reported just before 10 a.m. Saturday on 41st Road near College Point Boulevard.

Officials say the fire started on the first floor of a two-story, wood-frame building in a row of five buildings. When firefighters arrived on the scene, two of the buildings were fully engulfed, and flames had extended to a third building, Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods said.

By noon, the fire had grown to five alarms. It was still not under control as of 12:40 p.m.

At least 21 injuries have been reported, including 17 firefighters, two EMTs and two building residents.

All of the victims have been transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

Nearby residents are urged to close their windows to avoid exposure to smoke, and drivers should expect road closures and traffic delays in the area.

Stay with CBS News New York for the latest on this developing story.