Posted on: February 12, 2026 01:00 PM

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Came for a dream in America gone in Elmhurst

Miguelina Alcantara, 34, fought a long battle to reach America from the Dominican Republic. She found a place in Elmhurst and three weeks before she gave birth to a healthy baby named her Emma. A few days later she came home with the baby to the happiest moment of her life with dreams of a family life.

Then last Monday around 6:45pm, fire broke out from the home. Sadly she lost her life and her 17 days old baby was found yesterday in the basement where they were living.

According to the filing with NYC Dept of Building, the home on Dongon Avenue at 83/34 had a permit approved to convert into a two family from one but not for the basement to legalize. The home was listed on the market for $1.520,000 according to Zillow.

The neighboring homes were also converted into multi-dwelling with fifteen families who all evacuated safely during the fire by emergency personnel. The Red Cross worked to place all in shelters. The fire was brought under control by 1am. The fire marshal says all the homes from the fire affected are inhabitable.

As of today, the cause of fire is under investigation and the medical examiner is working to determine the cause of death of both mother and child. Another tenant, 22 year old male also living in the house is fighting for his life with 90% burns at the local hospital.

The investigation continues.

pic from zillow