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The East Village Gas Explosion Properties Have Been Sold While The Owner Awaits Trial

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121 Second Ave., where a 2015 gas explosion destroyed two buildings

The two East Village lots that were the site of a deadly gas explosion in 2015 have been sold.

On March 26, 2015, an allegedly illegal diversion of the gas line underneath 121 Second Ave. caused an explosion, causing major damage to that building and neighboring 123 Second Ave., while killing two and injuring several others. Owner Maria Hrynenko is awaiting trial for manslaughter and has several pending lawsuits against her, but has sold 121 and 123 Second Ave. for a total of $9.15M, the New York Post reports.

Property records show the lots were sold to Yaniv Cohen's Nexus Building Development Co. on May 2, but lawyers for victims who have filed civil suits against Hrynenko are concerned that she may be able to hide money from the sale overseas to protect it from plaintiffs who win damages.