Cops: Fatal W. Babylon fire likely started by someone cooking
Firefighters from multiple departments fight a building fire at 1041 Little East Neck Rd. in North Babylon. (March 3, 2013) Credit: Steve Pfost
The fire that killed a woman in a West Babylon apartment building Sunday likely started when oil ignited from chicken wings cooking in another apartment, Suffolk County police said.
Homicide chief Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick said Monday investigators believe the fire from the cooking oil came from another apartment in the two-story structure on Little East Neck Road, which also houses the West Babylon Lions Club and the China King restaurant on its first floor.
Firefighters found the body of the woman Sunday at about 6:30 p.m. Fitzpatrick said he doubted the identity of the woman would be released on Monday.
One resident was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital and another was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Jordan said. Their conditions were not known Monday. Suffolk police Sgt. Jim Messina said the fire is not believed to have started at the restaurant.
Residents who live in the building said the blaze could mostly be seen burning on the building's second floor.
"I just saw thick black smoke coming through my walls and when I opened my door, it was a wall of smoke," said Eddie Hernandez, 28, who was able to flee the building with his girlfriend.
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Out East Show: Westhampton Beach Brew & Grille, Hallockville Museum Farm Bees, North Fork Foodie Tour, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.
