According to police and other officials investigating the gas explosion that took place in East Harlem on March 12, the eighth fatality was identified early this week as Mayumi Nakamura. Thus far, reports show that eight people were killed and over 60 injured as a result of this devastating blast.

As of Monday, March 17, the National Transportation Safety Board had taken over the entire investigation of the explosion. Though no cause has yet to be officially determined, officials are looking for possible causes of ignition, while also checking gas lines and meters. The investigation has been slowed due to recovery efforts and debris removal.

Thus far, two lawsuits have been filed by victims of the accident – one against the city of New York and the other against Con Edison.

Our team at Hach & Rose, LLP, continues to send our sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.

At least two people have been reported dead, and sixteen others injured, after a massive explosion and subsequent fire this morning in East Harlem. Around 9:13 am, the utility company Con Ed received a call reporting a gas leak. The company dispatched service trucks to the scene, but before they arrived, an explosion occurred that resulted in the collapse of two buildings. Over 100 firefighters arrived on the scene to help put out the ensuing fire.

So far, 4 of the injured individuals have been taken to Harlem Hospital, and a hospital worker reported that one of these individuals is a child currently listed in critical condition. The area in which the explosion occurred contains mostly residential buildings and small businesses, and residents and workers in the area reported hearing an extremely loud explosion, followed by plumes of black smoke pouring from the affected buildings. Metro North commuter rail service has been shut down temporarily, as debris from the explosion landed on the tracks.

We plan to follow this story closely, and will provide more information when updates become available.

An explosion at the Pike St. apartment building near Henry St. in Chinatown has left at least nine individuals seriously injured, three of whom are currently in critical condition in a nearby hospital. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2013, ripped through the building’s first floor, causing the ceiling to collapse.

The legal team at Hach & Rose, LLP, has substantial experience helping individual in cases like these as they pursue the financial support they need to recover from these types of devastating experiences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a building collapse, please contact us today at (212) 779-0057 to learn more about how we can help.