A massive fire in South Ozone Park, Queens, erupted early Wednesday after Diwali fireworks struck a home, severely damaging two houses and injuring two people, according to U.S. authorities. The blaze, which started around 2:20 a.m. on Lincoln Street, quickly spread to a neighboring residence, engulfing both structures in flames before firefighters managed to bring it under control. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed fireworks flying through the air and crashing directly into one of the homes, sparking the inferno.
The New York City Fire Department confirmed that all occupants escaped without major injuries, though two individuals were hospitalized with minor wounds. Officials said dozens of firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and the flames took hours to extinguish due to the intensity of the fire. By daylight, the charred remains of vehicles, hollowed-out walls, and scorched debris marked the site of devastation at the corner of Lincoln Street and Foch Boulevard.
Residents in the neighborhood said the fireworks had been going off since the previous evening as part of Diwali celebrations. “It was all night, since 9 p.m.,” said local resident Rehana Insanali. “It was really loud, disturbing us from sleeping.” Another neighbor, Charlie Cuebas, criticized the late-night celebrations, saying, “You can celebrate at a certain time, but why until 2 or 3 in the morning when people have to go to work?”
One of the families affected, led by resident Juanita Colon, said they lost everything in the blaze. “We have got nothing now because everything is ruined. My son has no clothes. We have to be in a hotel room, living out of a hotel,” Colon told CBS News. The family’s home was reduced to ashes, and the few belongings they salvaged were soaked in water or destroyed by smoke.
Authorities said the incident was under investigation, and no arrests had been made as of Thursday. Police were reviewing additional footage from nearby homes and businesses to identify those responsible for the fireworks display. The New York City Fire Department shared video clips of the blaze on social media, warning residents about the dangers of unauthorized fireworks, especially in densely populated neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, similar fire-related incidents were reported in Edison, New Jersey, where officials received over 40 emergency calls during Diwali night, many involving fires triggered by fireworks. Local fire departments in both states have urged residents to exercise caution and follow safety regulations, emphasizing that fireworks are banned for personal use within New York City limits.
By Wednesday afternoon, cleanup crews were still at the scene in Queens, clearing debris and securing the damaged structures. Investigators said they were determining whether the fireworks came from an illegal supply or a neighborhood gathering that got out of control. The tragedy has reignited debate over fireworks safety during festive occasions, with officials calling for stricter enforcement of bans to prevent similar disasters in the future.
