Fazil Khan, a 27-year-old Indian journalist working in New York, tragically lost his life in a fire at a Harlem apartment building, caused by a lithium-ion battery.
The fire injured 17 others, prompting dramatic escapes as residents jumped from windows to flee the blaze. The Indian Embassy in New York is assisting Khan’s family.
A graduate of Columbia Journalism School, Khan worked as a data journalist at The Hechinger Report, focusing on education inequality.
The fire displaced many, with some forced to use ropes to escape. Several were hospitalized, some in critical condition. The Department of Buildings issued a vacate order, and the Red Cross is providing temporary housing.
The cause of the fire underscores concerns about lithium-ion batteries, which have caused numerous fires and injuries in New York City. Investigators are assessing the damage and the fire’s origin.
Khan’s career trajectory from India to New York reflects his dedication to journalism. He was recognized for his work on education data and migration issues. His unfortunate death is a loss to both his profession and community.
