In the morning hours of January 7, 2025, a young man lost his life in a Valley Stream residential fire. Eighteen year-old Sarabraj Singh, a native of India and a resident of Valley Stream, perished after lifesaving measures were attempted by first responders.
A residence at 34 Keller Avenue, Valley Stream, New York was the site of the blaze. The fire started in the basement of the residence around 11:30 AM and quickly spread out of control. Multiple fire departments from the area were deployed to bring the fire under control. First on the scene was the Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was observed pouring from the structure. This prompted first responders to call for a “Signal 10,” or a request for assistance by nearby fire departments. Ultimately, the fire was brought under control after about two hours.
Injuries and a Death at the Scene
As three hose lines were deployed to fight the fire, firefighters spotted a man who had escaped through a second-floor window. Rescuers helped the victim off the roof of the garage; the victim only had minor injuries. When firefighters entered the stricken house, they discovered Singh. While pulling him to safety, first responders performed CPR, then transported the victim to a nearby hospital. He later perished while receiving care at the hospital.
Investigation into the Fire
Investigators from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and private-party investigators determined that the fire originated in the basement and spread upward as structural members and belonging caught fire. The building was severely damaged in the blaze.
While the investigation is still ongoing, early reports suggest the owner/landlord of the building had created a basement apartment, which is illegal under Nassau County safety codes. The basement apartment only had one means of egress in case of emergency; in this case, a single window below ground level was the only escape that did not require passing through the rest of the single-family home.
Matters were further complicated by the tenants of the apartment being illegal aliens from India. Three of the tenants were relatives; an additional tenant in the basement apartment was a family friend. A space heater – one of two provided to the tenants in lieu of forced-air heating – was the likely combustion source after it touched blankets being used by the tenants to fight the basement chill.
One of the survivors is being represented by Ronemus & Vilensky, LLP, which is a prominent fire injury law firm in the Greater New York City metro area. A lawsuit is to be filed against the owner of the building and the manufacturer of the space heaters used in the basement apartment.
Seeking Justice: When Rights are Violated
Unfortunately, similar situations have become rampant in the Nassau County area, particularly in immigrant communities in Valley Stream, Lynbrook, Malverne, and surrounding areas. Landlords tend to take advantage of immigrants, some of whom may be in the United States illegally. As more residences are converted to apartments, and as more landlords become greedy by providing unsafe and illegal accommodations, there will continue to be injuries and even deaths from fires, smoke inhalation, and gas leaks.
The attorneys of Ronemus & Vilensky stand as vocal advocates for resident rights, having represented hundreds of individuals and families who were injured through no fault of their own.
They have taken on the wrongful death case of Singh and will be suing both the landlord and the maker of the space heaters.
If you are injured by the actions, inaction, or negligence of others, call the Law Offices of Ronemus & Vilensky today.
