2 years later: Religious leaders, community reflect on Twin Parks fire that killed 17
It's been two years since a fire claimed the lives at 17 people at Twin Parks, and the community is gathering Tuesday in prayer to remember the victims.
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It's been two years since a fire claimed the lives at 17 people at Twin Parks, and the community is gathering Tuesday in prayer to remember the victims.
Members of the Masjid-Ur-Rahmah congregation say they can't believe it's already been two years. They said it's not about doing anything special to mark that horrific day but bringing the interfaith communities together.
The names and ages of the 17 people killed, many of whom were part of the Muslim community, were read out loud in the mosque. Multiple religions were represented by clergy members from across the city. They prayed together to help heal as well as to honor and remember their loved ones.
The Twin Parks fire was one of the deadliest fires in New York City history. The blaze broke out on the morning of Jan. 9, 2022 at the Twin Parks North West high rise apartment building on East 181st Street. It injured more than 40 people.
Officials say a faulty space heater and malfunctioning self-closing doors are to blame.
Haji Dukuray says he lost five family members in the fire and says it's important to prevent another tragedy and to honor the people who died.
"What we went through as a family, I do not pray for any family to go through," says Dukuray.
Dukuray said his family is honoring their loved ones by digging wells in impoverished areas of Africa to provide water in their name.
Various pieces of legislation also passed since the tragedy aimed at boosting fire safety – one law now empowers the U.S. Fire Administration to investigate fires to prevent future ones.
