Jasmine McKenzie, a 45-year-old Jamaican mother is currently fighting for her life after a severe apartment fire in Staten Island, New York on Tuesday.
Initial reports were that McKenzie had died. However, it was later revealed that she is on life support after being severely injured in the fire.
Reports are that McKenzie, who resides in the Cayman Islands for numerous years, was in New York alongside her family for a summer holiday visit with relatives.
Rapid response to the blaze
According to media reports, the fire was reported at 7:19am on the sixth floor of the seven-storey building at 195 Steuben Street, Staten Island.
Reports are that about 60 firefighters and 12 units battled the blaze.
The cause of the fire was not released.
A community in shock
Reports are that McKenzie had recently received her permanent resident status in the Cayman Islands.
She is a cashier supervisor at AL Thompson’s.
The devastating news has prompted the store to close its doors early on Tuesday.
Distressed customers were ushered out, and the grief-stricken staff were given the day off in light of the harrowing news.
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