Indian National: In a devastating turn of events, Fazil Khan, a 27-year-old Indian journalist, lost his life in a fire engulfing a six-story residential building located at 2 St. Nicholas Place in Harlem, Manhattan. The blaze, reportedly ignited by a lithium-ion battery, inflicted injuries on approximately 17 other individuals.
Khan, a dedicated employee of The Hechinger Report in New York, was deeply committed to shedding light on issues of innovation and inequality in education.
Indian National Dies
The Consulate General of India in New York extended heartfelt condolences, pledging full support to facilitate the repatriation of Khan’s remains to his family in India.
With heavy hearts, The Hechinger Report conveyed the tragic news of Khan’s demise, remembering him as a cherished colleague and remarkable individual. As a data reporter and alumnus of Columbia Journalism School, Khan’s professional contributions and personal warmth touched many lives.
Responding swiftly to the emergency, the New York City Fire Department marshalled its resources to combat the inferno, which originated on the building’s third floor.
Firefighters encountered residents seeking refuge on fire escapes and clinging to upper-floor windows, highlighting the intensity of the situation.
The harrowing incident underscores the growing threat posed by lithium-ion battery-related fires, a concern increasingly noted by the FDNY. The loss of Fazil Khan serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of such tragedies and the critical importance of fire safety measures in safeguarding lives and communities.
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