A tragic house fire in Jamaica claimed the life of a 1-year-old boy on Sunday, May 14.
Firefighters valiantly rescued the toddler and his family after they were trapped in the attic as a three-alarm blaze tore through a two-and-a-half story home at 144-12 106th Ave., one block east of Norelli-Hargreaves Playground.
The fire broke out just before 11 p.m. and the FDNY arrived on scene less than three minutes later.
Firefighters crawled through heavy smoke conditions to reach the trapped family on the top floor and witnesses saw one firefighter emerge from the burning home with the toddler in his arms as he raced toward paramedics who covered the youngster in a white sheet as his family screamed helplessly on the street.
The child was rushed to Long Island Jewish Cohen Children’s Hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation, where he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD.
The boy was later identified as 1-year-old Jason Eli, police said.
More than 155 firefighters battled the blaze, which was brought under control just before midnight. One firefighter was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition with minor injuries.
Inspectors from the city’s Department of Buildings determined that the single-family home had been illegally converted into a multiple dwelling with five single-room occupancy (SRO) units found throughout the building and they issued five violations to the property owner. DOB issued a Full Vacate Order for the entire house and ordered the building to be properly sealed against unauthorized entry.
All residents who were displaced by the fire have been offered emergency relocation assistance by the American Red Cross. The DOB inspectors also determined that the neighboring property at 144-14 106th Ave. also suffered minor damage as a result of the fire, but that building was not vacated.
The fire marshal will determine the cause of the fire and the investigation remains ongoing.
Additional reporting by Lloyd Mitchell.
