Beep calls for gas safety post-Borough Park blast

Thursday, October 8: This story has been updated to reflect new information.

Officials announced on Thursday, October 8 that natural gas has been ruled out as the cause of an explosion that left two dead, one missing, 13 injured and 49 displaced in Borough Park.

“The investigation into the cause preliminarily focused on the possibility of natural gas being involved due to information from the building landlord that the occupant of the second floor apartment – which is where the explosion/fire originated – had been removing a stove while in the course of vacating the apartment,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro Thursday. “Information obtained since then, and confirmed by examination of the building gas meters, found that there was no natural gas flowing to the second floor apartment since June 26 – and that prior to the explosion no significant natural gas flow into any part of the building had occurred.”

Still, elected officials have called for greater gas safety citywide.

“As we mourn those lost and pray for those injured in yesterday’s explosion at Borough Park, we cannot be too hasty in examining how we can prevent any tragedies related to such a scenario from occurring going forward,” said Borough President Eric Adams following the blowout, which occurred just past 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 3 at 42nd Street and 13th Avenue, culminating with a partial building collapse. “Safety around the use of gas in our homes is something we must treat very seriously.”

“Obviously a very tough day here in Borough Park,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, thanking Nigro and Chief James Leonard for a job well done. “This is a community I know well, and I represented in the City Council, so I know it was a real shock to the residents of this community to hear this explosion.”

According to the FDNY, 50 firefighters – from 11 units – battled the blaze, and had it under control by Saturday night.

Ligia Puello, 64, was identified Sunday morning as the woman found dead in the building’s second floor stairwell. Another resident, Francisca Figueroa, 48, has been missing since the blast. A second body — still unidentified — was discovered Monday afternoon.

A total of 18 units – 12 residential and six commercial – were evacuated.

“In the coming days, I will pursue a dialogue with the City Council to explore this issue and possible policies that would put safety first,” said Adams, noting that he and Councilmember Jumaane Williams are working on a legislative proposal which would require licensure or certification in order to disconnect, replace or modify gas line connections between the source and a home appliance like a hot water heater or stove. “Anything in the home that can be a matter of life and death with one wrong turn or one careless action should be better secured.”

In addition, on Thursday, October 8, the mayor announced the launch of the Borough Park Relief Fund — a support-sytem sponsored by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City in partnership with the Borough Park Jewish Center, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, as well as a number of Brooklyn elected officials meant to financially support those residents and businessowners affected by the explosion.

“New Yorkers never shy away from helping one another, and the people of Borough Park affected by this tragedy are in need of help now more than ever,” said Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber. “I encourage all residents and businesses to donate whatever they can to assist the victims on their road to recovery.”

Those interested in contributing to the fund can donate online at nyc.gov/bprelief, or by mailing a check, made payable to “the Borough Park Relief Fund” to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City (253 Broadway, sixth Floor, New York, NY 10007).

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