Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is a New York Plaintiff's personal injury law firm specializing in automobile accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, police misconduct and all types of New York personal injury litigation.

Articles Posted in Explosion and Fire Accidents

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West Lane where the house explosion occuredOur NY House Explosion Attorneys Discuss Legal Options After Tragedy on West Lane

A quiet neighborhood in Hamburg, New York, was devastated Monday night, May 12, 2025, when a powerful explosion leveled a home on West Lane in the Lake View hamlet, killing one resident and critically injuring another. The blast was so severe it damaged nearby homes, injured first responders, and left neighbors shaken, describing the sound as “like fireworks times 30.”

According to reports, 78-year-old Joene Pease was found deceased in the debris. Her husband, John Pease, also 78, was discovered near the basement and remains in critical condition at a Buffalo hospital. The explosion occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m., sparking a fire that quickly consumed what little remained of the structure.

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Our subway accident lawyer investigating a caseAs experienced New York City personal injury attorneys, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of subway and train accidents on victims and their families. When accidents occur underground, in confined spaces, the risk of serious injuries from smoke inhalation, fire, or collisions is significant. Just this week, 18 people suffered injuries after a track fire at the 191st Street No. 1 subway station, raising concerns about subway safety and liability.

What Happened at 191st Street?

On Tuesday afternoon, thick gray smoke filled the station after an object on the tracks made contact with the third rail, leading to a hazardous smoke condition. Nine passengers suffered from smoke inhalation and were assessed by emergency responders, while 16 others required hospitalization. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but the incident underscores the dangers riders face daily on the MTA system.

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safety issues in regards to fire were foud at Bryant ParkRecent fires at the Bryant Park Winter Village and Herald Square holiday market have exposed alarming fire hazards at these seasonal attractions. According to the FDNY, dangerous wiring, illegal propane tanks, and makeshift commercial kitchens in combustible sheds led to two separate fires in December—one of which nearly spread to the Bryant Park ice-skating rink. While authorities and market operators are pledging reforms for next season, these incidents highlight serious fire safety failures that put lives and property at risk.

Thankfully, no one was injured in these incidents. However, in similar fires, victims can suffer severe burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and other life-threatening conditions. When negligence leads to such disasters, victims and their families may have legal options to seek compensation for their suffering.

Who Is Responsible for These Fires?

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Lithium ion battery can be dangerousThe recent announcement by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) regarding the forthcoming federal ban on unregulated lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters marks a significant milestone in enhancing public safety. As legal professionals specializing in lithium battery-related accidents, we recognize the profound implications this legislation holds for consumer protection and the reduction of fire-related incidents.

Understanding the Legislation

The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, integrated into the federal budget, mandates the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish national safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries utilized in micro-mobility devices. This initiative, championed by Senator Chuck Schumer and New York’s congressional delegation, aims to address the surge in fires attributed to substandard batteries.

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Brooklyn_Gas_Leak_25699853515As gas explosion lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation caused by gas leaks and explosions. Preventing these disasters starts with understanding the importance of gas safety and acting quickly when you suspect a leak. Even the smallest mistake can have catastrophic consequences. Here’s what you need to know to keep your family and home safe.

Recognizing the Signs of a Gas Leak

Gas leaks can be silent and invisible, but there are telltale signs that you should never ignore. If you notice any of the following, act immediately:

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Fazil Khan victim of a lithium battery explosionIn an urgent response to the rising threat posed by lithium-ion battery fires, New York City Council has enacted two new e-bike safety regulations. This legislative action, motivated by a tragic fire in Harlem sparked by a lithium-ion battery, underscores the city’s commitment to addressing the dangers associated with these batteries. The fire accident, which claimed the life of 27-year-old Fazil Khan, a young journalist,  and critically injured four others, has catalyzed a city-wide discourse on the safety of e-mobility devices.

The first rule mandates that businesses selling e-bikes and e-scooters must display safety information regarding the storage of lithium-ion batteries both in-store and online. This is a critical measure aimed at educating the public on proper battery handling to mitigate fire risks. The second regulation intensifies the crackdown on the sale of non-UL-certified batteries by enhancing penalties for illegal sales and bolstering city enforcement. These steps, while significant, are part of a broader call for comprehensive federal legislation to ensure the sale of only certified batteries across the United States.

Parallel to these legislative efforts, New York City is pioneering a solution to one of the most pressing issues related to e-bike safety: battery charging. The city has launched a pilot program to establish public e-bike charging hubs in Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering a safer alternative to charging batteries indoors. The initiative kicked off with the unveiling of the first hub at Cooper Square in the East Village.

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Fire accident sceneIn the early hours of a Sunday morning, a devastating fire tore through the Harmon Shepard Hill apartments, a senior housing complex in Plainview, Long Island. This tragic incident claimed the lives of two women, 84-year-old Theresa Casale and 74-year-old Lynne Citron, and displaced about 20 residents, highlighting a dire need for stringent safety measures and legal accountability in senior living facilities.

The blaze, which erupted amid freezing conditions, prompted a massive response from firefighters who battled the flames and worked tirelessly to evacuate residents. Despite their efforts, the rapid spread of the fire on the second floor made it particularly challenging to ensure everyone’s safety. The loss of Ms. Casale and Ms. Citron, both of whom were known to have mobility issues, underscores the vulnerability of senior residents in such emergencies.

As personal injury lawyers, this incident raises significant concerns about the legal responsibilities of housing complexes, especially those catering to seniors. The primary question revolves around whether adequate fire safety measures were in place and if the complex adhered to all required building codes and standards designed to protect its residents.

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E-bike explosion kills 2 in Queens NYCAn e-bike powered by a defective lithium-ion battery caused a fatal fire in Astoria, Queens, New York City, killing two children yesterday afternoon. This tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of e-bikes and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. According to reports, the e-bike was being charged in the vestibule of the home when it caught fire and caused an explosion. The victims did not have enough time to escape the intense fire that quickly traveled up the stairs to their second-floor apartment.

This incident highlights the ongoing problem of e-bike-related fires in the city. So far, there have been 59 e-bike-related fires in New York City this year, resulting in five fire-related deaths. The cause of these fires has been linked to the use of defective e-bikes lithium-ion batteries.

New action plan and and legislation

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Lithium ion battery can be dangerousOur personal injury law firm is concerned about the recent news regarding lithium-ion batteries causing deadly fires in New York City. According to reports, a 64-year-old man died in a Bronx apartment fire caused by a defective lithium-ion battery over the weekend, and the FDNY has reported 33 fires caused by these batteries this year, resulting in three deaths and 42 injuries.

To address this issue, Mayor Eric Adams signed  five bills into law aimed at preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in New York City (see our previous blog about these bills related to e-bike battery safety). 

While the bills only address lithium battery safety in New York City, there is a need for federal legislation to ensure that batteries are safely manufactured and used. Currently, compliance with safety standards is voluntary, and the wide availability of uncertified or after-market tampered batteries is contributing to the problem. Additionally, a change in federal law in 2016 exempts imports below $800 from inspection and tariffs, which has made it easier for uncertified or unsafe batteries to enter the market.

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FDNY twitt on lithium battery fire in the Bronx NYCMayor Adams and Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh are calling for a federal action to crack down on defective lithium-ion batteries  that are invading the American market and causing an alarming number of fires in New York City.

Mayor Adams and Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh  both visited the Bronx on Sunday after a small e-scooter charging in the back of a supermarket exploded and caused a massive fire that injured several and took hours for the FDNY to stop. So far one person died this year and last year, 6 people died and 147 were injured in more than 200 fires caused by exploding lithium-ion batteries in New York City.

Delivery companies should be also held accountable for letting their employees use defective batteries

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