3-Year-Old Rochdale Girl Killed In Queens Car Fire

SOUTH JAMAICA, QUEENS — A three-year-old girl died in a car fire in Queens on Sunday evening, police said.

Rochdale resident Zoey Pereira died after emergency responders rescued her from a burning car about 9 p.m. at 154th Street and Baisley Boulevard in South Jamaica, according to police. The young girl was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where she died.

The city's medical examiner ruled that the girl, also identified as Zoey Autumn, died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.

Investigators found a propane tank and fuel containers nearby the car, a 2008 Audi sedan, police said. The NYPD is investigating the fire as a homicide but has not charged anyone.

Police took into custody a 39-year-old man they found close to the car fire but did not release his identity.

The man is at Weill Cornell Medical Center's burn center in serious but stable condition, according to police.