Man Arrested for Storing Large Quantities of Propane in Manhattan

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announced the arrest of Marcel Djiba, 55, by FDNY Fire Marshals for first-degree reckless endangerment.

On Friday, July 18, a pedestrian alerted Manhattan Dispatch to a yellow van reportedly holding a substantial amount of propane in front of 72 Spring Street in Manhattan. An FDNY Ladder Company responded and discovered 82 20-pound propane cylinders and 12 portable gasoline containers inside the vehicle. The Company requested assistance from HazMat, the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention, and FDNY Fire Marshals.

During questioning, Mr. Djiba stated he was delivering propane to food trucks throughout New York City for a company. Fire Marshals arrested and charged him with first-degree reckless endangerment. Mr. Djiba had previously been arrested by Fire Marshals in 2010 for a similar incident involving the illegal transport of hazardous materials.

“This was an incredibly dangerous situation, and one that could have caused a catastrophic explosion in a crowded neighborhood,” said FDNY Commissioner Tucker. “Thanks to a vigilant New Yorker who spoke up and the swift response of FDNY members, we were able to prevent a potential disaster. This is exactly why we urge the public: if you see something, say something.”

At the scene, Fire Protection Inspectors located two additional vans parked on Crosby Street near the corner of Spring Street. One van contained four 20-pound propane tanks with combustibles stacked on top, along with paper products. The propane cylinders were removed, and HazMat Logistics cleared all propane from the area.

In addition to the reckless endangerment charge, Mr. Djiba is facing multiple fire code violations related to the storage and handling of flammable liquids and liquefied petroleum gases. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case.

This marks the second hazardous propane-related incident the FDNY has addressed within the week. The case highlights the department’s ongoing efforts to detect and eliminate illegal and unsafe propane distribution throughout the city, particularly in densely populated areas.