Akm Shehabuddin Kisslu: Fire killed total four people including a 8 year old girl in queens over the weekend.
Three members of the same family were killed in a fast-moving fire in Queens on Friday on 104-18 125th Street in South Richmond Hill. Most of the people inside were able to make it out safe, but the FDNY confirms that three people lost their lives – adding so much heartbreak and shock to the community that is predominately Guyanese.
Nandaraj Persaud, 59, his wife Bibi Salima, 53, and his 22-year-old son, Devon were all trapped inside the home and did not make it out alive. They lived in the basement of the home.
Family members say a couple and their 22-year-old son passed away in the home as the intense flames took over. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Mayor Adams surveyed the fire scene on Saturday and made a surprise visit to the family.
“The city is mourning when you lose family members like that,” Adams said.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 2 p.m. Friday – they say the fire spread quickly, engulfing the house and spreading to the neighboring homes on both sides. They say because of the windy conditions on Friday afternoon, the flames also jumped to homes across the street.
Residents scrambled to get out as more than 200 firefighters and EMS workers battled the fire to get it under control.
“I’m just so sad what happened, he was a good brother. It’s very sad,” said Nandaraj’s sister, Mohani Persaud.
In a separate incident after a fire damaged of home in Queens an 8-year-old girl died and two other people suffered smoke inhalation Saturday in College Point. The 8-year-old girl suffered smoke inhalation and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Flames broke out just after 7:30 a.m. on the top floor of the three-story brick row house on 130th Street.
Firefighters brought the flames under control just after 8:15 a.m.
Crews navigated through the complicated building and reached the girl. FDNY fire marshals are investigating.
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