Tragedy struck the Flatbush community early Monday morning, when a mother and three children — an 11-year-old boy, 7-year-old boy, and a 3-year-old girl — died in fast-moving house fire R”L.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro says the woman and children were killed around 2:30 a.m. Monday at 1945 East 14th. The 45-year-old father, his teenage son and a 16-year-old cousin were critically injured, officials said; seven others, including five firefighters and two boys, had minor injuries.

Please say Tehillim for Shilat bas Aliza (16) who is critical, Daniel ben Aliza (15) who is critical, Avraham ben Aliza (13) stable, and Yosef ben Ahuva Masuda – the father who is critical.

All critical patients have been transported to Staten Island Burn Unit and have been placed on respirators. Tragically, sources have confirmed that some of the children are classmates with the Sassoon children who were R”L killed in a tragic fire in Flatbush.

Nigro says firefighters arrived about 2 minutes after getting the call from a neighbor and the fire was already “consuming” all three floors of the building. He says the fire was accidental but the cause has not yet been pinpointed.

It’s a terrible tragedy. It just tears your heart out,” Nigro said. “These things happen this time of year.” Misaskim has been working through the night from the scene as well as with the NYC Medical Examiner to ensure Kavod HaMes.
The Niftarim will hopefully be released and will be flown later today to Eretz Yisroel for the Levaya and Kevura.

Baruch Daayan Haemes…


(AP / YWN World Headquarters – NYC)