FDNY battalion chief killed in drug house explosion, 12 hurt

A firefighter walks the scene of a house explosion in the Bronx on Tuesday after responding to reports of a gas leak in the area. Twelve firefighters were injured in the explosion and a battalion chief was killed, officials said. Photo courtesy Fire Department of th City of New York

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 (UPI) — A New York City Fire Department battalion chief died Tuesday while responding to a gas leak and subsequent explosion in the Bronx, the agency said.

Michael Fahy, a 17-year FDNY veteran, was struck by debris at the scene of the gas leak when a house exploded, authorities said.

“It is with deep regret that FDNY announces the line of duty death of FDNY Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy,” the department said on Twitter.

It is with deep regret that FDNY announces the line of duty death of FDNY Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahyhttp://ow.ly/z4q9304C4fo 

FDNY/Twitter

“A tragedy today has befallen a family, our FDNY, and our entire city,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“He was on the rise, he was a star, a brave man,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. “We lost a hero today and our members are all saddened.”

Fahy is survived by his wife and three children.

The house involved in the explosion was a drug house, authorities said Tuesday afternoon.

The house explosion and gas leak are under investigation. Twelve other firefighters were injured in the blast, officials said.

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