Fil-Am workers ‘barely escaped’ NYC building explosion

NEW YORK CITY – “I was gonna take a break when it happened. I was preparing my lunch. When suddenly, I heard a big explosion. I felt like the ground raised.”

Jordan Cezar, shift manager at Pommes Frites, a popular eatery on Second Avenue in the East Village of Manhattan, said he is still in shock.

Cezar was with two other Filipino employees attending to about a dozen customers on March 26 (March 27 in Manila) at around 3 pm, when the explosion happened next door at 121 Second Avenue. (READ: 19 hurt as blast, then fire brings down New York buildings) 

“I just saw all our wall shelves are falling and all our fixtures,” Cezar recalled.

“Then the power went off. I just remember everyone in the store screaming to evacuate. Smoke started to get into our store, and then it got really dark. I got very scared. I never felt so scared before until today.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the blast was gas-related. According to reports, there were private contractors doing plumbing work at 121 Second Avenue building just before the explosion which destroyed 4 buildings including where Cezar and 11 other Filipinos worked.

Con Edison (New York’s local power supplier) inspectors were reportedly at the site shortly before the blast to evaluate what the building plumbers were doing. Con Edison said the work failed the inspection and the inspectors gave the contractors instructions on what changes were needed and then they left.

An hour later, that’s when Cezar felt everything around him shake.

According to fire officials, 19 people have been injured including 5 emergency responders. Four civilians are in critical condition.

New York City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said approximately 250 firefighters battled to contain the 7-alarm fire and stayed until late night of March 26. Meanwhile, a crew from the Office of Emergency Management have been working on removing debris from the explosion.

“All I could think of is how lucky we were,” said Cezar. “I just ran out with my working clothes, my phone in my pocket and nothing else.”

Cezar said just a block away from the blast, he found his co-workers who he knew also ran out of the place. Their employer also arrived on the scene soon after. Cezar said their employer bought jackets for them and gave them money to get home.

In his apartment in Woodside, Queens, Cezar gathered with his co-workers and checked the local news and social media to fully understand what really happened. Cezar said he is still in shock, but thankful that they are all safe.

“The building collapsed so it might be a while before we rebuild,” said Cezar. His employer would have to figure everything out first, he said, and then they will meet to discuss what to do next. For now, he and his co-workers are out of a job.

When asked what he would do next, Cezar said: “I will go to church and give thanks. Have dinner with my sister and celebrate life which I felt I almost lost.” – Rappler.com