A devastating fire occurred last Thursday at 653 58th Street on Eighth Avenue in Brooklyn, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives and injuries to nine others. The victims were all immigrants from Fujian Province in China.
In a poignant gathering held yesterday afternoon, City Councilmember Jenifer Rajkumar led a memorial vigil at the location of the fire. The event brought together family members, local residents, religious leaders, and elected officials, including State Senate-elect Kevin Liu, Assemblymember-elect Xiaojing Xie, and City Councilmember Alexa Avilés. Together, they paid their respects to the deceased, offered prayers, and sought to raise funds for the affected families. The community has shown remarkable solidarity, continuously extending assistance to residents facing the aftermath of this tragedy.
Kevin Liu emphasized the importance of honoring the deceased, especially during the traditional Chinese period of mourning observed on the seventh day after a passing. He noted that the vigil was not only a time of remembrance but also a moment for community unity and support. In a previous visit to two hospitalized victims, Liu expressed his concern for one individual who suffered severe burns, highlighting that without the timely intervention of firefighters, the outcome could have been even more devastating. He thanked the fire department, police forces, and over 250 emergency responders for their critical roles in the crisis. Liu urged the community to continue rallying around those who are injured and the families of the deceased.
Jenifer Rajkumar shared that the six individuals who lost their lives were hardworking immigrants, with some employed as dishwashers in restaurants and others working in construction. They came to the United States seeking a better life, and their untimely deaths represent a significant loss not only to their families but also to the larger Chinese community in Brooklyn. Rajkumar expressed gratitude to the Prosperity Brooklyn Association, local churches, temples, and Alpha Law for assisting families in navigating legal, financial, and logistical challenges regarding their relatives in the U.S.
Rajkumar further pointed out that the fire underscores critical safety issues related to residential escape routes and lithium battery safety. She called on residents to ensure that windows and security bars can be opened from the inside and to utilize UL-certified batteries for electric bikes and scooters. She urged the city government to explore reinstating a lithium battery replacement program aimed at minimizing risks associated with unverified batteries.
Assemblymember-elect Xiaojing Xie urged residents to install smoke detectors and develop emergency escape plans and family rendezvous strategies. She also highlighted that language barriers could hinder residents from accessing crucial emergency information and encouraged individuals to seek out translation services as needed. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of addressing the psychological impact of the fire, particularly concerning children and nearby residents’ emotional health.
Community support has been unwavering, as the Cornerstone Mission and Fujian community organizations have initiated fundraising efforts to assist with funeral costs and living expenses for the families of the victims. Representative Ling Fei from the Prosperity Brooklyn Association stated that, through WeChat and various hometown associations, approximately $13,000 has been raised to help the families of the six victims. On the same day, Cornerstone Mission and the Minhou Association distributed checks totaling $10,000 in cash to the affected families and survivors. Pastor Chen Chi indicated that the church continues to solicit donations, assuring that all funds raised would be forwarded directly to the families without any deductions. The church is also organizing additional fundraising activities, calling on the wider community for support.
According to information released by the police and community organizations, the six deceased individuals include 47-year-old Lin Chengzhong, 52-year-old Zeng Weixiu (phonetic), 21-year-old Zhu Lishun (phonetic), along with Ma Bingzhen, Lu Fayang, and 48-year-old Zheng Mingqin. Zhu Lishun tragically perished alongside her mother. All six were from Fujian, originating from cities such as Changle, Lianjiang, and Minhou.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with State Senator Chen Xueli revealing that law enforcement is currently pursuing leads related to arson. The community continues to come together, demonstrating resilience and compassion in the wake of this heartbreaking event.