This morning's gas explosion in an Upper East Side townhouse resulted in 11 people injured, including 6 firefighters. So what was the cause of the gas leak at 34 East 62nd Street? 1010 WINS reports that Dr. Nicholas Bartha, whose practice was in the building, is going through a divorce and would be forced to sell the building as a result. His estranged wife had recently received an email from the Bartha indicating that he had been contemplating suicide; at the time of the explosion, Bartha was the only person inside the building and was rescued from the rubble. No word on whether he intended to take the building down with him or if that was just an unfortunate side effect. Aren't rich-people divorces so much more exciting?

Other evidence supporting the suicide theory: Bartha donated $250 to the Bush campaign.

Building Explodes and Collapses in NYC [1010 WINS]
34 East 62nd Street [Fundrace]
Also of interest: Passanneau Sells off the Rolls Royce [Classy Auto]
Earlier: Happy Monday: UES Building Explodes, Collapses

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