Victim: 87-Year-Old Sing Ho |
CHINATOWN (WPIX)—
Firefighters recovered the body of a missing elderly man in a building on the Lower East Side Monday evening.The body of 87-year-old Sing Ho was recovered at 8:20 p.m. Firefighters were unaware of the missing man until his two daughters arrived at Councilwoman Margaret Chin's office to ask about their father's whereabouts at about 3 p.m. Monday.
In addition, firefighters were unable to enter the building earlier due to concerns of that the building would collapse.
Ho went missing after a rare 7-alarm blaze ripped through four buildings in Chinatown.
Sources tell PIX 11 News he lived with his daughter on the top floor of the six-story building. She was at work when the fire started. He called her, but as they were talking the line went dead.
The fire began late Sunday night inside a store on the ground floor of 283 Grand Street, and spread quickly. The blaze was declared under control at about 2:15 a.m. the following morning.
Four people were injured -- including two elderly residents suffered smoke inhalation and are listed in critical condition at Beth Israel Medical Center. In addition, 33 others were injured, including 29 firefighters, who were treated for minor injuries.
The Red Cross says 200 people have been displaced by the blaze. Their return seems highly unlikely given the extent of the damage.
Local advocacy group Asian Americans for Equality are also assisting the now homeless, mostly elderly, residents find shelter.
According to the Fire Department, the buildings are 110-years-old and are owned by Fair Only Realty.
The building at 283 Grand Street has had a history of violations and complaints to 311. Among other problems, tenants say there was exposed wiring, the bulding would go without heat during the winter, and uncollected trash would pile up int he basement.
Councilwoman Chin said 283, 285 and 287 Grand Street suffered so much fire damage, that the buildings would have to be demolished. Fire officials also said 281 and 289 Grand Street were also damaged in the blaze.
While the cause is still being investigated, so far, there is no evidence of foul play.
