3 Men Die in Fire in Overcrowded House in Queens
In the early hours of Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed an overcrowded residence in the Jamaica Estates neighborhood of Queens, New York City, resulting in the deaths of three men and injuries to several others. The tragedy has brought to light critical issues surrounding housing safety, enforcement of building codes, and the dire consequences of neglecting fire prevention measures.FOX 5 New York+5AP News+5People.com+5
The Incident
At approximately 1:30 a.m., the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded to a two-alarm blaze at 87-25 Chevy Chase Street. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find flames emanating from the first floor, rapidly spreading to the second floor and attic. The fire was fully extinguished by 3:00 a.m. People.com+1FOX 5 New York+1
The deceased were identified as Mohamed Abdaelsalmzaaher, 67; Jean Ellie Ernest, 52; and Ibrahima Diakite, 45. Eight other residents sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and three firefighters were treated for minor injuries. People.com+1ABC News+1
Contributing Factors
Investigations revealed that the home lacked working smoke detectors, a critical safety lapse emphasized by FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker: "Smoke detectors save lives. You must have a working smoke detector in your house." AP News+2People.com+2ABP Live+2
The residence was heavily overcrowded, with approximately 10 to 15 people living across its cellar, attic, and both main floors. Makeshift walls, including one dividing the kitchen, had been erected, creating substandard egress routes. Blocked exits and stairways further impeded evacuation efforts. Additionally, the presence of numerous extension cords posed a significant fire hazard. People.com+5AP News+5FOX 5 New York+5People.com+1FOX 5 New York+1
Public records indicate that the property had received about 55 complaints filed with the city's Buildings Department since 2003, most concerning illegal conversions. People.com+1Reddit+1
Community Impact and Response
The fire has had a profound impact on the local community, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by residents in illegally converted and overcrowded housing. Survivors and neighbors have expressed grief and frustration, calling for stricter enforcement of housing regulations to prevent such tragedies.
City officials have pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly and to review policies related to housing code enforcement, particularly concerning illegal conversions and fire safety compliance.
Conclusion
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of adhering to fire safety regulations, including the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors, and the enforcement of building codes to prevent illegal housing conversions. As the community mourns the loss of life, there is a renewed call for vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of all residents.
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