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Lithium-ion battery fire in Ozone Park kills 93-year-old woman


By

Michelle Bocanegra

Published Aug 12, 2023

Modified Aug 12, 2023


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By

Michelle Bocanegra

Published Aug 12, 2023

Modified Aug 12, 2023


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A fire that engulfed a residential building in Queens Friday left one person dead and another injured, according to police and fire officials.

Kam Mei Koo, 93, died as a result of the blaze, police said. The fire broke out at 98-01 101st Avenue, a mixed-use residential building in Ozone Park where Koo lived, shortly after 1:30 p.m. Friday. It was under control about an hour later.

The FDNY said fire marshals determined the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery. An e-bike was found on the scene.

Koo was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Emergency personnel also took a 67-year-old woman to the hospital, where she was reported to be in serious condition on Friday afternoon. A firefighter sustained some injuries but they do not appear to be life-threatening.

This story has been updated to include the cause of the fire.

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public safety

fdny

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Michelle Bocanegra

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