New York self-storage operator Manhattan Mini Storage is offering up to three months of free storage to displaced residents of the two apartment buildings that collapsed last week in East Harlem. A gas explosion is suspected of causing the incident, in which eight people were killed and dozens wounded. The offer also extends to residents of seven other buildings who were ordered to vacate because their power and gas were turned off.

“All New Yorkers will feel for the victims and survivors of this tragedy,” said Stacy Stuart, executive vice president at Edison Properties, the parent company of Manhattan Mini Storage. “But it hits us even closer to home because our E. 110th St. location is just a few blocks away, so these people are our neighbors. We’re going to do anything we can to help them during this crisis.”

Investigators suspect a gas leak triggered the explosion at around 9:30 a.m. on March 12, destroying the two buildings at 1644 and 1646 Park Ave., which contained a church and piano store in addition to apartments. Cleanup crews are continuing to remove debris to clear way for authorities to complete their investigation. Gas pipelines at the site will be pressure tested to determine if a gas leak was the cause, according to the source.

More than 60 people were injured and more than 100 residents displaced, the source reported.

Any residents who were relocated because of the explosion and are interested in taking advantage of the free storage are advised to call Manhattan Mini Storage at 212.786.7243.

Manhattan Mini Storage has 17 locations throughout Manhattan. It is owned by Edison Properties, a family-owned business that also operates Edison ParkFast, a network of 40 garages and lots throughout Baltimore, New York City and Northeast New Jersey. Edison's properties include workspace offices, executive offices and pre-built suites, The Hippodrome office building, and The Ludlow, a luxury residential high-rise on the Lower East Side.

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