Indian National Dies in New York Fire Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery

A 27-year-old Indian national named Fazil Khan tragically died in a fire incident in Harlem, New York. The Indian Embassy in New York is providing support and is in contact with Khan’s friends and family.

The embassy expressed its condolences, stating, “Saddened to learn about the death of 27-year-old Indian national Mr. Fazil Khan in an unfortunate fire incident in Harlem, NY. India in New York is in touch with the late Mr. Fazil Khan’s family & friends. We continue to extend all possible assistance in repatriation of his mortal remains to India.”

Fazil was an alumnus of Columbia Journalism School and was working as Data Journalist  with The Hechinger Report. The Hechinger Report posted their condolences on their X account and wrote: “We learned Saturday that The Hechinger Report’s data reporter Fazil Khan died in a fire in the New York City building where he lived. We are devastated by the loss of such a great colleague and wonderful person, and our hearts go out to his family. He will be dearly missed.”

According to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the fire, caused by a lithium-ion battery, occurred at a Harlem apartment building, injuring 17 others and displacing dozens of people. The fire also led to dramatic rope rescues, with residents forced to jump or use the fire escape to save their lives.

One resident, Akil Jones, described his escape, saying, “Just what I have on me. My phone, my keys and this guy,” referring to his father. Another neighbor, Angie Ratchford, witnessed people coming out of the building and described the intensity of the fire.

Following the incident, 18 people were rescued, 12 were taken to a local hospital, and four remain in critical condition. The Department of Buildings issued a full vacate order, and the Red Cross is assisting displaced individuals with temporary housing at a nearby school.

FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens explained that the fire originated from an apartment door left open on the third floor, causing intense flames that blocked the stairwell. Lithium-ion batteries have been a concern, with 267 fires, 150 injuries, and 18 deaths attributed to them in New York City in 2023.

As of Monday, there have been 24 lithium-ion battery fire investigations and eight injuries reported this year.