A faulty electrical cord on a new stove sparked a blaze that killed a 7-year-old Bronx girl and left her 3-year-old sister clinging to life, officials said yesterday.
Haley Martinez remained in critical condition a day after the fire swept through her Fleetwood apartment early Sunday morning, killing her half-sister, Hazel.
Officials said the fire was an accident that started when the cord, which was smashed against a wall, became frayed and overheated.
The girls’ grandpa, German Martinez, left a note yesterday at a makeshift memorial outside the Grant Avenue apartment building.
“Sorry grandpa wasn’t there to help you. Help me Allah to accept what happened to my family. Love you, grandpa,” it read.
Haley’s mom, Ruth, an NYPD transit cop, was also injured. She had inhaled smoke and was having trouble speaking yesterday, a neighbor said.
Investigators initially thought the fire was suspicious after finding a gas can and an altered gas line. But the can was left from when it was used during Hurricane Sandy. The line was pinched because it no longer fed the stove.