Girl, 12, Falls from Fourth-Story Window in Queens

A 12-year-old girl fell from a fourth-story window in Queens Wednesday afternoon and is in serious condition, officials said. 

FDNY says the girl fell at about 4 p.m. Wednesday at the building on 73rd Street in Jackson Heights. She was found on dirt in the courtyard area after falling from the fourth floor, according to the building superintendent, who found the girl. She was taken to Elmhurst Hospital. 

"It's really heartbreaking," said the girl's friend, Ariel Igartua. "She's the sweetest, nicest little thing in the world. I honestly don't know how such a thing could happen."

It wasn't clear how she fell. The superintendent said he didn't know if there was a screen or barrier over the window. Under city law, landlords are only required to install guards if children 10 years or younger live in an apartment or if a tenant requests them. It's against the law for residents to tamper with window guards. 

"This is horrifying," said Igartua.

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