As questions are raised about the day care itself, fire investigators are looking into what may have sparked the blaze, and say an e-bike’s lithium ion battery may be to blame. NBC New York’s Chris Jose reports.
A fire at a Queens day care, which was being held inside the basement of a home, left 18 children hurt, including one who was hospitalized in critical condition, the FDNY said.
The blaze broke out just after 2 p.m. in the basement of what appeared to be a duplex near the corner of 72nd Drive near 147th Street Kew Gardens Hills, according to fire officials. The Department of Buildings said the day care was operating in the basement of the townhome, along with a dental lab.
In addition to the child rushed to the hospital, the FDNY said 17 children were treated at the scene for their injuries, which were considered minor. The parents of the children came to the scene immediately afterward to bring them home.
The fire marshal's office is investigating what may have sparked the fire, which the department said may be linked to a lithium ion battery from an e-bike in the basement.
"There was a lithium ion battery involved with the fire...we're not sure what the involvement in the fire was or what the cause is yet. That's still being investigated," said FDNY Chief John Esposito. "Unfortunately it’s a fairly common occurrence throughout the city the last couple of years and into this year, of lithium ion batteries."
The DOB issued violations for illegal construction work done at the home without proper work permits, and for occupying the space meant for accessory storage — not a day care or dental lab. The department also issued a full vacate order on the home.
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One of the people who lives at the address came by to take a look at the damage, but declined to comment.
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Some neighbors were unaware the home was operating two businesses inside. The FDNY said there is an investigation under way to determine whether the people running the day care had a license to operate one.
