A tragic fire in Hempstead, Long Island, has claimed the lives of a father and his young son, highlighting concerns about fire safety in residential buildings. The incident occurred early on Friday morning, around 4 a.m., in a basement apartment located on Albemarle Avenue. Kenneth Roberts, aged 42, and his 12-year-old son Mekhi both perished alongside their family dog, Brownie.
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The dire situation unfolded while Kenneth’s wife, Lisett Cruz, was away visiting her mother. She received the devastating news from her sister-in-law, who informed her that both her husband and stepson did not survive the fire. In a statement to the media, Cruz expressed her disbelief, stating, “I don’t feel like it’s real, it’s a dream. I’m at a loss for words; it doesn’t feel real right now.” She went on to describe Mekhi as a “loving” child who enjoyed video games and was cherished by all who knew him.
According to reports, the family were trapped by smoke and flames as there were no working smoke detectors in their apartment. Kin and other residents in the building became alarmed when they noticed smoke seeping from the basement door. Unfortunately, they were unable to enter the apartment as the door appeared to be locked from the inside, prompting them to contact emergency services. First responders, including approximately 100 firefighters from ten nearby departments, arrived to tackle the blaze.
The circumstances of the fire remain under investigation. Nassau County Chief Fire Marshall Michael Uttario addressed the media at the scene and confirmed the absence of functional smoke alarms in the unit. He emphasised the critical role of smoke detectors, stating, “We can’t say it enough — they save lives.” The building’s owner, who has yet to be identified, was reportedly present earlier in the day to speak with officials regarding the tragic event.
Following the fire, ten residents, along with a dog, have been displaced and are now receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The community has rallied together in support of those affected by this incident. Cruz, in her grief, shared glimpses of her late husband, who worked as a veterinary technician, and her son, showing heartwarming photos of Mekhi dressed as a firefighter.
Cruz described Kenneth as a dedicated family man, saying, “He loved his son. He loved his family. He was a loving, honest person.” As the community mourns the loss of the Roberts family, there is a growing call for greater awareness of fire safety measures in residential areas. Many residents have since expressed their shock and sorrow over the tragic loss, underscoring the importance of ensuring that all homes are equipped with functioning smoke alarms.
The Roberts family’s heart-wrenching story serves as a poignant reminder of the vital need for fire safety measures. As investigations continue, the hope is that lessons will be learned to help prevent such devastating events in the future. For those in the Hempstead area and beyond, it is a call to action to ensure that homes are safe for all residents.