Police: Father's homemade vape pen operation fueled Brooklyn fire that killed mother, 2 daughters
NEW YORK -- There's a heartbreaking update to a deadly fire at a home in East New York, Brooklyn.
The city's medical examiner confirmed Wednesday a third person has died -- a 10-year-old girl.
A 36-year-old woman and her two daughters are dead, and four surviving family members are hospitalized, including a pair of critically injured children.
Family friend Jamal Alghazali described shock and sadness as he surveyed the empty, fire-ravaged building on East New York's Fountain Avenue.
"It's very sad," he said. "Very great family. Very respectful family. Very nice family."
Investigators had described the Tuesday fire as suspicious after finding an accelerant. On Wednesday, there was an update about the 37-year-old man in the home -- the husband of the woman who died and the father of the children.
Police said the man told them he had chemicals in the home and was assembling vape dispensers, which may have been sold at a family-run corner store one block away.
The business was closed Wednesday for a second day.
Police said it is unclear if events leading up to the fire involved anything illegal.
The man has burns to his hands and feet.
No charges have been filed.
