Updated: Saba Aslam, the daughter of owner Muhammad Aslam at Essex Card Shop, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild the business. Find the link here.
The FDNY is responding to a two-alarm fire that started inside the Essex Card Shop shortly after 4:30 p.m. at 47 Avenue A between Third Street and Fourth Street.
It was a frightening scene as thick black smoke hugged the east-facing wall of the Ageloff Towers.
The early word is that the shop has been destroyed.
No word just yet to damage other businesses here or the apartments above in the Ageloff Towers.
Shot this video clip at 4:52 p.m.
We'll continue to update...
Updated 6:45 p.m. (photo below by Steven)
Everyone is reported to be safe. EVG contributor Stacie Joy spoke with Muhammed and Jayant at the Essex Card Shop. Unfortunately, the shop is in ruins. Jayant said that he smelled smoke coming from the bathroom in the rear of the store and immediately called the FDNY. Both of them said they were grateful that no one was hurt.
In addition, they both said that they would come back from this.
Next door at 51 Avenue A, everyone is safe at Exit9, which sustained minor water and smoke damage. Downtown Yarns appears to be OK as well.
A fire official told Stacie that the cement ceiling and brick walls in the storefronts served as a firebreak and prevented further damage to the building.
We've heard reports of residents who had to evacuate the 13-floor Ageloff Towers above the shops. The resident reports say that this was done safely, and there weren't any reports of injuries. No word on damage to the residential units above the shops.
EVG reader Eric FG shared this photo of Jayant shortly after the report of the fire...
As you can see, the Card Shop is in ruins...
