City officials and grieving family membe๊rs gathered in East Harlem on Thursday to mark the one-year annivers🐈ary of a gas explosion that leveled two buildings, killing eight people.
White roses were laid where the buildings once stood on Park Avenue near 116th Street as about 50 of the victims’ loved ones gathered for a memorial service.
To honor those who died, a tree was planted in their memory and a moment of silence was held at🌠 9:31 a.m. — the exact time of the explosion.
Mayor Bill de Blasio recall🍒ed how the city banded together in the wake of the tragedy to help those in need.
“Today, we honor the New Yorkers who lost their lives in this tragic incident,” de Blasio said. “In the aftermath of the explosion, New Yorkers once again demonstrated that in a time of crisis, we come together to lift each other up. From rental assistance to mental health counseling to clothing donations, the outpour of support to ensure affected residents made a rapid recovery is a true testament to the compassion of New Yorkers.”
More than 200 firefighters, EMTs and paramedics were dispatched to East Harlem last year after a leak from a 127-year-old gas main sparked the explosion — killing eight a♏nd injuring 60 others. More than 100 residents lost their homes.
Th🅰e explosion happened just 15 minute🅺s after someone reported smelling a gas leak in a nearby building, authorities said.
Thursday’s memorial service was hosted by City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who described the victims and spoke about the continuous efforts from the public to help their families.
“Those we lost that tragic day were mothers and daughters, they were musicians and students, they were security and health professionals and they were our neighbors,” she said.
“As we remember them, we also continue to look out and care for their families and for those who were injured by the explosion. We stand with you and we will never forget.”