A firefighter has been killed while battling a massive blaze on the set of a movie starring Bruce Willis and Edward Norton in Manhattan.
The New York Fire Department has issued a statement, saying: "It is with deep regret that FDNY announces the death of Firefighter Michael R. Davidson.
"Firefighter Davidson, 37, was assigned to Engine Company 69 and bravely served the Department for 15 years.
Advert
"He was cited for bravery on four separate occasions. Firefighter Davidson was critically injured while fighting a 5-alarm fire in Manhattan. He was transported to Harlem Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries."
"Firefighter Davidson is survived by his wife, Eileen, and four children. He is the 1,150th member to make the Supreme Sacrifice while serving our city."
The fire erupted on the set of Motherless Brooklyn which was being filmed in a closed jazz club in Harlem.
Advert
Actor Edward Norton, who also wrote the screenplay for the film, was the first person to notice something was wrong. According to the New York Post, smoke was seen coming from the set and emergency services were alerted.
Mr Davidson was one of the first firefighters on the scene and reportedly got separated from his team while battling the fire. He was pulled unconscious from the burning building but was declared dead after being transported to hospital.
Local resident Daquan Evans told the New York Daily News: "That actor Ed Norton walked right by. He looked pretty upset. This is crazy this fire."
Advert
New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio's press secretary Eric Phillips has tweeted: "This is an awful night. We've lost an NYC firefighter. Public briefing shortly at Harlem Hospital. Sick to my stomach.
"You haven't heard a scream until you've heard the scream of a mother who's seen her son give his life to protect us."
Featured Image Credit: FDNYTopics: Bruce Willis, News
