Fire
Rapper Cardi B will cover burial costs for the victims of a deadly Bronx blaze that killed 17 people earlier this month, the city said Wednesday.
Many of the victims had ties to Gambia, and families of several of the victims planned to bury them in their West African homeland.
"The Grammy Award-winning artist has committed to paying costs, including repatriation expenses for some victims buried in the Gambia, through the Mayor's Fund's Bronx Fire Relief Fund," City Hall said in a statement.
The fund has raised more than $2.5 million to date, on top of more than $1.5 million raised through various GoFundMe campaigns.
All 17 victims of the fire died of smoke inhalation. Authorities say a malfunctioning electric space heater started the blaze, and a door left open allowed smoke to spread throughout the building.
"“I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal," the rapper said in a statement.
01:42
Gasoline truck overturns and explodes near Uganda’s capital, killing 11
Go to video
Over 3 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and flooding
Go to video
Hurricane Milton nears Florida, evacuations urgent
Go to video
At least 50 killed in coal mine blast in Iran
01:23
Brazil drought hits coffee farms and threatens to push prices even higher
00:49
Death toll in Kenya school fire rises to at least 21