Deadly 2015 Second Avenue Gas Explosion Remembered

Victims' memorial plaque dedicated, but lawsuits continue over displaced tenants

Mar. 27, 2026 at 7:40pm

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On the 11th anniversary of the deadly 2015 gas explosion on Second Avenue in New York City's East Village, a memorial plaque was dedicated to honor the two men who lost their lives. The blast destroyed three buildings and injured dozens. While the community has worked to memorialize the tragedy, some displaced tenants are still fighting for compensation from the owner of the new residential building constructed on the site.

Why it matters

The 2015 Second Avenue explosion was a devastating event that shook the East Village community. The memorial plaque serves as an important way to remember the victims and reflect on the impact of the tragedy. However, the ongoing legal battles over compensation for displaced tenants highlights the lasting effects the explosion had on local residents.

The details

The memorial plaque was dedicated in May 2021 outside 45 E. Seventh St., a new residential building constructed on the site of the destroyed buildings. Ola, a co-owner of the nearby B&H Dairy, paid tribute to the two men killed in the blast - Nicholas Figueroa and Moises Locón. Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed in March 2026 alleges that the owner of the 45 E. Seventh St. condo has not paid funds owed to four rent-regulated tenants displaced by the explosion.

  • The deadly gas explosion occurred on March 26, 2015.
  • The memorial plaque was dedicated in May 2021, six years after the incident.
  • The latest lawsuit was filed on March 13, 2026, 11 years after the explosion.

The players

Nicholas Figueroa

One of the two men killed in the 2015 Second Avenue gas explosion.

Moises Locón

One of the two men killed in the 2015 Second Avenue gas explosion.

Ola

A co-owner of the nearby B&H Dairy, who paid tribute to the explosion victims at the memorial plaque dedication.

Avenue Second Owner LLC

The owner of the condo at 45 E. Seventh St., the new residential building constructed on the site of the destroyed buildings.

Village Preservation

The organization that advocated for the placement of the memorial plaque at 45 E. Seventh St.

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What they’re saying

“You can watch a short clip of her remarks on Instagram.”

— Ola, Co-owner of B&H Dairy

What’s next

The four rent-regulated tenants who filed the lawsuit in March 2026 will continue to fight for the compensation they are owed from the owner of the 45 E. Seventh St. condo.

The takeaway

The 2015 Second Avenue gas explosion left a lasting impact on the East Village community. While efforts have been made to memorialize the tragedy, the ongoing legal battles over displaced tenants' compensation show that the community is still grappling with the explosion's aftermath.