Arson to blame for Borough Park explosion
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photo
Officials have deemed a fatal explosion that left two dead, 12 injured and 49 displaced in Borough Park the result of arson.
The fire is said by FDNY investigators to have been started by resident Francesca Figueroa, 48, who, investigators say, poured gasoline down the stairs and then lit them on fire. According to the FDNY, Figueroa had recently been evicted from her second-floor apartment following a dispute with her landlord.
The blast, which occurred just past 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 3 near the corner of 42nd Street and 13th Avenue, was originally thought to be caused by natural gas.