NORWOOD, The Bronx (WABC) — A third body was recovered Saturday from the rubble of a deadly explosion and fire in the Bronx, deepening the anguish of displaced tenants who say they have lost not only their homes but close friends.
Tenants watched as a stretcher was carried into the damaged building on East 209th Street Saturday afternoon, fearing it held the remains of yet another neighbor. “It’s sad. It’s traumatizing,” one resident said.
Rosalie Serrano, a displaced tenant who knew the first two victims well, said the couple who died were beloved members of the community. “They were awesome. They were very friendly,” Serrano said. “They had grandchildren that used to come and spend the weekends here with them.”
The couple perished in the raging inferno that engulfed the building Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters were unable to retrieve what is believed to be the wife’s body until Friday, after stabilizing the structure following a floor collapse. By Friday evening, the FDNY said no one else was believed to be missing – until the third body was discovered Saturday.
Todd, another displaced tenant, said he fears the third victim may be his neighbor. “Once the building really started getting bad you know the fire started spreading I was just hoping he got out but I don’t know,” he said.
Fire marshals recovered what appeared to be evidence Saturday as they continued investigating the cause of the explosion and fire. Meanwhile, tenants temporarily placed in a hotel say they are struggling with uncertainty and limited resources.
“Luckily I work I had a couple of dollars saved up that’s how we’re able to eat,” one tenant said. “We have the same clothes on ever since the fire. And I feel it’s unfair, it’s really unfair to us.”
Community members have stepped in to help. Denise Devonish-Liburd-Farrell, who is organizing clothing donations, said she wanted to take action while residents await answers. “No one knows how it happened as of yet so we’re all waiting so we figured instead of waiting and sitting around for the news we can actually do something,” she said.
One displaced tenant said she has been told she will be allowed back inside the building Monday to retrieve additional personal belongings.
