Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 21, 1996

Release #605-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Bradford Billet (212) 442-9260


MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES THE DEPLOYMENT OF
SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM TO AID IN PUERTO RICAN RESCUE EFFORT

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced the activation of a five member urban search and rescue team, in response to today's explosion in a San Juan shoe store in Puerto Rico. The explosion killed 18 people and injured at least 85 and there are reports of numerous people trapped in the wreckage.

"The hearts of all New Yorkers go out to the people of Puerto Rico and most especially to the families of those who were killed and injured in this terrible tragedy," Mayor Giuliani said. "In response to a request by the Governor of Puerto Rico, we are making a specialized urban search and rescue team available to assist in rescue efforts."

The New York City task force is composed of two firefighters, two police officers, and one physician from the Fire Department's Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The team is scheduled to leave on a flight to Puerto Rico this evening.


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