New Satmar Shul on 13th Ave Brings Back Memories of Explosion on Site

By Y.M. Lowy

Yesterday, news spread like wildfire that the Satmar Kehila is set to purchase a large commercial building on 13th Avenue. This announcement brought back memories for many of a major explosion that occurred on that very same lot ten years ago.

It was a calm Shabbos of Chol Hamoed Sukkos when a devastating explosion shook the tranquility in Boro Park. A powerful blast tore apart a building at 42nd Street and 13th Avenue, sending bricks and debris crashing into the street and igniting a fire that rapidly engulfed nearby structures.

In response to the chaos, more than 200 firefighters rushed to the scene, battling the intense flames. Tragically, three pedestrians, including a young 10-year-old boy, were injured by falling debris and were quickly transported to local hospitals for treatment. In the line of duty, ten firefighters also sustained injuries. The explosion forced the evacuation of 49 residents from neighboring buildings due to urgent safety concerns, leaving the site as a lasting testament to the tragedy that had unfolded.

This news made national headlines and brought the Mayor to the scene, where he held a press conference and met with evacuated residents and Jewish community members following this devastating incident in the heart of the Boro Park community.

For years, the lot where this tragic event occurred remained vacant until a new building was eventually constructed on the site. Now, the Satmar Kehila has entered into a contract for this newly built property at that very corner, planning to establish a Beis Medrash and once again transform the street.