NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill said Thursday that a leak from an illegal gas hookup caused the explosion in the Bronx this week that killed an FDNY Battalion Chief Michael Fahy. Meanwhile, grieving firefighters were mourning Fahy. FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro announced Thursday that Fahy will be posthumously promoted to deputy chief.
A house explosion in the Bronx that killed a fire battalion chief may have been caused by a tampered gas main.
At a graduation for new police officers Thursday, New York Police Department Commissioner James O'Neill told Newsday the tampered gas main leaked then sparked, causing the Tuesday blast that killed Chief Michael Fahy.
Authorities are looking into whether the building was used to grow marijuana.
A Manhattan resident, Garivaldi Castillo, has been arrested on criminal possession of marijuana charges. His lawyer has questioned the evidence linking him to the house.
At a court hearing Thursday, prosecutors said the home had been tightly sealed with insulation to keep the plants warm. They said there were also bins of fertilizer. Police are also questioning another man for possible ties to the explosion.
Meanwhile, Fahy was posthumously promoted to deputy chief, Mayor de Blasio and Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced Thursday.
Deputy chief is the highest civil service promotional achievement in the FDNY.
