Dear Friend,
I just arrived home
after heading straight from the airport to visit the site of the
massive explosion in East Harlem. While Congress is still in session,
I could not possibly sleep in Washington knowing of the tragic loss
of life and injuries caused by the shocking explosion that occurred in
the heart of our District. As we continue to pray for the families of
those killed or injured in today's catastrophic explosion, my staff
and I are taking immediate action to help the displaced and those in
need. Many thanks go out to the outstanding rescue workers and first
responders who have been on the scene saving lives, controlling the fire,
and dealing with the aftermath of the explosion. We are closely
monitoring the situation, and we are in constant communications with our
federal, state and local partners as events
unfold.
I have spoken to Gov. Cuomo and will work with him to secure
assistance for the victims, families and small business owners. I
thank Mayor de Blasio for his quick response to provide expedient
assistance to the community and Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez who came down
from Albany to help as well. Together with the Governor, we will
keep the President apprised of the situation as we follow up with the
NTBS (National Transportation Safety Board) team's
investigation.
My staff and I are also working with clergy
and other community leaders, including Matthew Washington of Community
Board 11 to assist in the relief efforts. They are collecting donations
of food and clothing only. All monetary donations should go to the
Red Cross, which has set-up a Reception Center at P.S. 57, located at
176 East 115th Street (between Lexington Avenue and
3rd Avenue). I am thankful to the Red Cross personnel
who have provided medical and mental health services as well as
meals. Residents seeking information on loved ones who may have been
affected by today’s tragic events are urged to call 311 or my office at
212-663-3900.
I am proud to represent a District
where people have opened up their homes and offered hands to help
their neighbors in any way. I know that we are a resilient community and
hope for a swift recovery for all those affected by this tragic
unexpected event.
What do you do when the unthinkable happens? When you're going
about your day, enjoying unseasonably warm weather, when suddenly you
hear a loud explosion, and everything around you begins to shake and
crumble?
Well, that's pretty much what the residents in East and Central Harlem and
surrounding areas were confronted with this morning when an apparent
gas leak triggered an explosion that leveled two apartment buildings.
According to news reports, thus far, three people are believed dead,
nine are missing, and sixty or more are injured.
Fire cranes put out fire near Metro North Rail Road Overpass at 116th & Park Avenue
As per some of the residents, several complaints about gas smells
had been noticed recently in the area, and one alleged to have
contacted the gas company to come out and check – which they did –
however, it was too little too late. They dispatched a team around
9:15 AM; the explosion happened at 9:30 AM
116th and Park Ave., is just a stone's throw from the
Marqueta in Spanish Harlem, and other shops and stores to the east; as well as some well
appointed condominiums - the Adeline, the Kalahari, and the African Market on the West Side.
Known as Central Harlem, 116th is the crosstown conduit for the West Side to the East Side. Nearby is the Lexington Ave. 116th st. Subway Stop. It's the gateway to the newly
developing upscale neighborhoods north and south. Immediately nearby
is the elevated portion of Metro North Railway which emerges from
Grand Central Terminal to Westchester, Connecticut and points north.
In that general area are also high rise projects with thousands of
families that, had it been a little closer to the east side, or just
a little further south, could have wreaked total havoc on the
community.
With that said, homes, lives, businesses and communities are still
shaken, and have suffered a loss and witnessed a trauma many will not
soon forget. Though the buildings were “low rise” apartments –
five floors with a unit on each floor, they were homes to several
families, a piano business, and a church. All of which had been in
the community for quite some time.
Several neighbors reported thinking an earthquake had occurred,
because their homes shook and dishes, and other items fell off the
walls. Other nearby buildings had their windows blown out with glass
scattering in the street.
Metro North temporarily suspended train operations while the
debris was recovered from their tracks, and to make sure that their
elevated tracks had not been damaged.
Of course the usual blame and denials are floating around, with
Con Ed being accused of not having done a thorough inspection; and
Con Ed alleging to have not received a complaint about gas leakages
since 2013. More than one person said they had complained to the
owner about smelling heavy gas in the area, but nothing was done
about it.
Mayor Bill deBlasio spoke earlier of the situation, saying that it was a "disaster of the worst kind." The call came in to Con Ed who dispatched a team immediately, but, as the mayor continued, "it came too late for anyone to be rescued."
According to sources two of the dead were women, with at least
three of the injured being children. An unidentified 15-year-old
boy sustained burns and broken bones and is in critical condition. Others had minor cuts and bruises and were taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital for assistance and observation.
The fire department and rescue teams are still searching for
missing victims, hoping to find them alive – with the impending
drop in temperature, high winds and rain; while others are receiving
shelter at a nearby center.
The NTSB – National Transportation Safety Board – and HPD –
Housing Preservation Department – will be launching full scale
investigations into the reports and allegations of complaints filed
against the owner, as well as Con Edison. The theory currently is that a water main break collapsed onto the gas pipeline, causing the leakage, precipitating the explosion.
In the meantime, New Yorkers, and friends and relatives from
across the country have been expressing shock, and concern for loved
ones; and messages have been flying across the internet.
My
heatfelt condolences to those families who have lost their friends and loved ones.
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