The bad luck continues for one local bar on Varick Street in the City of Utica.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Donovan
Photo Courtesy of Mark Donovan
loading...

Flames Broke Out Thursday Afternoon

Utica Fire crews are on the scene of a massive fire at the HK Restaurant & Lounge at 703 Varick Street. Crews were called to the scene just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday for reports of heavy smoke coming from the building. In fact, smoke could be seen for miles by pedestrians on nearby roadways.

Utica Fire officials announced via Facebook, that they issued a second alarm minutes after the first was issued. Occupants of the building were evacuated and the battle of the blaze continued.

At around 2 p.m. officials announced that there was a partial collapse of the structure as a result of the heavy flames coming from the building. As of 2:20 p.m. the fire was still active and crews continued to fight that fire.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Donovan
Photo Courtesy of Mark Donovan
loading...

This is the second time HK Restaurant and Lounge has been in the news for something unfortunate.

Shooting on Varick Street

On the night of November 11th, Utica Police were called to the establishment for reports of shots fired. When they arrived, police say they located a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his stomach and later died at the Wynn Hospital.

That man was Kwame Smith of Utica. His alleged killer, 30-year-old Tyrell Brown, ultimately turned himself in with the assistance of his attorney and he is facing a charge of Murder in the second degree, among other charges.

The fire at HK Restaurant and Lounge is ongoing and more details will provided as soon as they arrive.

We will provide information on cause and other factors upon further investigation.

WIBX 950 logo
Get our free mobile app

FDNY Firefighter Timothy Klein Killed In The Line Of Duty

New York Fire Department Firefighters Timothy Klein was killed in the line of duty on April 24, 2022, while battling a fire in Brooklyn. FDNY members salute Firefighter Timothy Klein during his dignified transfer.

Gallery Credit: Jim Rondenelli

The Utica Fire Department 'Firehouse Lights' Competition

Here you can view each of the light displays outside each of the firehouses in the Utica Fire Department. You can vote on their Facebook page and are welcome to take a walking tour of each of the houses.

Gallery Credit: Andrew Derminio

Fatal Fire in New York City's Bronx Borough on January 9, 2022

Fatal Fire in New York City's Bronx Borough on January 9, 2022

Gallery Credit: Kristine Bellino

More From WIBX 950