Jamaica, Queens (May 15, 2023) – One-year-old Jason Eli lost his life in a fire that tore through his family’s home in Jamaica, Queens, on May 14th.
According to reports, the fire broke out around 11 p.m. in the two-family home on 106th Avenue between Pinegrove and Inwood Streets. The fire rapidly erupted, trapping the family inside the house as the smoke grew thicker and unbearable. Despite the grandparents’ efforts to rescue Jason, they were unable to reach him as the smoke was too intense.
Fire officials arrived at the scene and worked to contain the three-alarm blaze, which started on the upper floors of the home. After the fire was extinguished, Jason was found unconscious and unresponsive on an upper floor. He was rushed to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, but sadly, he did not survive.
As investigators work to determine the cause of the fire, the Department of Buildings announced that the single-family home was illegally converted into multiple dwellings, with five single occupancy units. The owner of the building has been issued five violations, and the building has been ordered to be vacated. The Red Cross is providing assistance to those displaced.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jason’s family during this difficult time, and we wish those affected a speedy recovery.
