Fire at Thai Buddhist temple in New York claims 2 lives

Space heater the likely cause of massive blaze at a Thai temple in the Bronx that caused the death of a monk and a civilian

A Thai Buddhist monk and a Thai man lost their lives in a massive fire at Wat Usa Buddhayaram in New York, the United States on Wednesday morning (local time).

The fire broke out at around 6am inside the monastery located in the Bronx and quickly spread to an adjacent home, according to a local report.

About 150 firefighters fought the flames for over two hours and eventually brought the fire under control amid extreme cold weather and strong winds, the report said.

Fire officials reported that the blaze was caused by a space heater placed too close to combustible materials. Their efforts were hampered by a car blocking the nearest fire hydrant.

According to the temple’s Facebook page, the victims have been identified as Pra Maha Direk Chompunid, a monk, and a visitor known only as Pat.

Another monk was sent to a hospital in Queens after suffering smoke inhalation. He is now in a stable condition, the temple said.

(2025/02/13-00:00)