“PEOPLE en Español ”Journalist and Her Mom Died in N.Y.C. Apartment Fire After They Tried to Escape Smoke-Filled Staircase

A tragic fire in a Manhattan apartment building has claimed the lives of a journalist and her mother, along with a third unidentified individual. The fire erupted on the early morning of May 4 in the Inwood neighbourhood, sparking a significant emergency response that included around 200 firefighters.

The victims have been named as Yolaine Díaz, a journalist for PEOPLE en Español, and her mother, Ana Mirtha Lantigua. Both perished in the blaze at 207 Dyckman Street, confirmed by their loved ones and the publication in which Díaz had a notable career. Firefighters also reported injuries to 14 individuals, including one of their own.

Authorities stated that the inferno started on the first floor around 12:35 a.m. and rapidly spread through the building’s internal staircase, ultimately reaching the roof. As the flames enveloped the structure, Díaz and her mother attempted to escape through the staircase but were overcome by smoke, which obstructed their exit. Thankfully, Díaz’s stepfather managed to escape via an external fire escape.

Yolaine Díaz emigrated from the Dominican Republic to New York City during her teenage years. She pursued her passion for journalism at Lehman College in the Bronx and initiated her career at PEOPLE en Español as an intern. Over the years, she ascended through the ranks to become a prominent writer and eventually served as the digital editor for the fashion and beauty section.

Throughout her tenure, Díaz interviewed numerous high-profile celebrities, including Eva Longoria, Shakira, and Jennifer Lopez. Although she left the editorial staff of PEOPLE en Español in 2022, her collaboration with the outlet continued, and her work appeared in other publications, such as TVNotas, Ebony.com, and Us Weekly.

The former editor-in-chief of PEOPLE en Español, Armando Correa, expressed his sorrow over Díaz’s passing, recalling her passion for telenovelas and her significant contributions to the magazine. He described her journey from the fact-checking department to becoming a writer and lauded her as a dedicated fashion and beauty editor. Correa fondly remembered her vibrant personality, often behind the camera and engaging with social media followers.

The investigation into the fire is currently underway. Initial reports from the New York Times indicate that the city’s housing department database records over 100 violations associated with the building, which dates back to 1910. This shocking statistic raises serious concerns about the safety of such residential properties in the city.

In the aftermath of the fire, PEOPLE en Español has sought to gather more information from the New York City Police Department and the Medical Examiner’s Office. As the community mourns the loss of Díaz, her family, and the third victim, there are growing calls for accountability and reform to ensure the safety of residents in similar buildings across the city.

In the wake of this tragic event, local residents have expressed their condolences and support for the affected families. Community leaders are also advocating for stronger fire safety measures and better oversight of residential buildings, particularly those with a history of violations. The loss of Yolaine Díaz and her mother is being felt widely, not just among friends and family but throughout the journalism community and beyond.

As more details emerge regarding the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the fire, the city grapples with the implications of this tragedy and how it could inform future policy changes to protect its residents from similar events.