Man in New York Reportedly Sets Himself on Fire Following Argument With Wife, Causing Home Explosion

Explosion in Queens Injures Officers and Civilians

Early Thursday morning, an explosion in Queens injured eight NYPD officers and several civilians after a man reportedly self-immolated during a domestic dispute.

At approximately 2:42 a.m., a family member called 911 regarding Anroop Parasram, 50, who was allegedly at a home in South Ozone Park with a knife. According to various reports, Parasram, believed to be the estranged husband of a woman in the basement apartment, arrived intoxicated and forced his way inside by displacing an air conditioning unit. His wife, daughter, and two grandchildren managed to escape before police arrived.

Just 16 minutes later, at 2:57 a.m., an explosion occurred. Reports indicated that Parasram brought a container with gasoline to the scene. The resulting blast knocked several officers back as they approached the front door. A sergeant and seven officers were taken to the hospital for treatment of various injuries, including burns, with one officer sustaining a serious head laceration.

Fortunately, all injured individuals are expected to recover. Chief of Staff Christopher McIntosh remarked on the incident’s potential severity, emphasizing how fortunate responders were. Some police officers entered the burning building in search of anyone trapped inside.

Officials suspect that Parasram may have died in the collapsed building, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch mentioned plans to use cadaver dogs once conditions improve. Parasram had three expired protection orders against him from a relative, the most recent set to expire in 2024.

Police had previously responded to multiple domestic disturbance calls at this address over the past year. The five-alarm fire consumed the home and spread to adjacent properties, prompting the evacuation of 16 residents. Around 300 firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to tackle the blaze.