NYC Leaders Commemorate 4-Year Anniversary of Deadly Bronx Apartment Fire

Remembering the Twin Parks Fire

• 🕯️ Four years ago today, January 9th, 2022, a devastating fire occurred at the 19-story Twin Parks North West building in the Bronx.
• 💔 The fire resulted in the deaths of 17 people, including eight children, and injured over 40 others.
• 🌍 This tragedy had an everlasting impact on the Gambian community, many of whom considered Twin Parks their first American home.

Causes and Contributing Factors

• 🔥 The fire, which spread rapidly, was reportedly started by space heaters and exacerbated by stairwell doors that failed to close properly.
• ⚠️ A Congress member highlighted that the tragedy is linked to disinvestment in the Bronx and housing, suggesting the need for space heaters stemmed from a lack of reliable heat and hot water.

Commemoration and Reflection

• 🤝 Elected officials, including the Mayor, Attorney General, and Public Advocate, attended a prayer vigil and wreath-laying ceremony to honor the victims.
• 🗣️ Speakers emphasized that the fire was more than just a safety issue, pointing to systemic problems that contributed to the loss of life.
• 📍 The event took place near the scene of the fire, bringing together survivors, families, and community members to remember the dark day in the city's history.