You are reading

Man Killed After Fire Rips Through East Elmhurst Home Sunday

Wikimedia Commons via Nrbelex CC BY-SA 2.5

May 18, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

A man was killed after a fire ripped through his East Elmhurst home Sunday afternoon.

Merle Springer, 57, was inside the second floor of a two-story wood-frame house on 24-32 96th St. when the fire broke out, according to the FDNY.

The FDNY was alerted to the blaze at 1:08 p.m. and arrived on the scene a short time after.

They discovered Springer trapped inside the building. He was unconscious and unresponsive.

Firefighters pulled Springer from the house and EMS transported him to Elmhurst General Hospital.

He was later pronounced dead, according to the police.

Springer lived in the building with his 81-year-old mother, who managed to escape from the building unharmed, police said.

Firefighters got the blaze under control at 2:02 p.m., according to an FDNY spokesperson.

The Medical Examiner will ultimately determine the cause of death and the investigation is ongoing.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Fall fun in western Queens: Your guide to the best seasonal events

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With beach days and summer BBQs behind us, the start of September rings in the start of magnificent Fall foliage, Halloween and more fun activities that come with the start of Autumn, including a list of Fall events in the area. From apple picking to seasonal ciders and more, there is tons to explore in the community. From Mystic Markets to scary movie meet-ups and more, here is a list of Fall events you do not want to miss.

A hidden gem in Sunnyside: Bistro Punta Sal blends Peruvian and Italian flavors

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On a quiet street in Sunnyside, Bistro Punta Sal has its French doors wide open, letting the late August breeze emanate throughout the space, which is ornate with flowers, paintings and an array of tables and chairs for intimate dinners with friends or a romantic date night. The cozy restaurant, located at 45-51 46th St., is a hidden gem in the neighborhood that is just waiting to be discovered, as the sights and aromas of the restaurant invite guests in. 

Off-duty paramedic spots South Richmond Hill two-alarm house fire that injures nine firefighters, two civilians on Friday morning: FDNY

Nine firefighters were injured, two of them seriously, and two civilians sustained minor injuries during a two-alarm house fire in South Richmond Hill on Friday morning, but it could have been worse if not for the actions of an off-duty veteran EMT.

Paramedic Craig Biscuiti was driving to work when he noticed a column of thick black smoke and heavy flames coming from the first floor of a two-story home at 95-36 111th St. just before 7:10 a.m.