In a tragic incident, an Indian national, who worked as a journalist in New York, lost his life in a fire incident in an apartment building in Manhattan.
The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Fazil Khan, and worked as a journalist with New York-based media company The Hechinger Report, which is focused on innovation and inequality in education. He was an alumnus of Columbia Journalism School.
At least 17 people were injured in the fire killed in the fire that broke out in a six-storey residentila building at 2 St. Nicholas Place in Harlem, Manhattan.
The New York City Fire Department said that its marshals have determined that the “devastating” fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery.
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed condolences on Khan’s death.
“Saddened to learn about the death of 27-year old Indian national Fazil Khan in an unfortunate fire incident in Harlem, NY,” the Consulate said in a post on X Saturday.
The Consulate said it is in touch with Khan’s family and friends. “We continue to extend all possible assistance in repatriation of his mortal remains to India,” it added.
The Hechinger Report said in a post on X that it learned Saturday that 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,” it said.