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Janitor Finds Human Foot in Empty Queens School Chimney

7/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Janitor at P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo, Glendale, Queens smelled an odor and called an exterminator, who found a foot in the chimney.
Police investigation of the remains will precede a medical examiner determination of death.
The New York City Department of Education called the discovery deeply upsetting and pledged support.
The school was empty due to summer construction, with permits for wiring and hot-water heating issued to contractors.

History

Historical Context

The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911 killed 146 garment workers and prompted Governor John Alden Dix to order fire-escape installations for 1,200 New York City factories. That reform wave established modern building-code oversight, which today guides the New York City Department of Education’s safety reviews of sites like Queens’ P.S./I.S. 113 where a human foot was recently found.

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Story summary

Janitor at P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo, Glendale, Queens smelled an odor and called an exterminator, who found a foot in the chimney.
Police investigation of the remains will precede a medical examiner determination of death.
The New York City Department of Education called the discovery deeply upsetting and pledged support.
The school was empty due to summer construction, with permits for wiring and hot-water heating issued to contractors.

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