33 Female BAPS Temple “Volunteers” Evacuated From Home Being Used As Rooming House After Carbon Monoxide Incident

Police also noted in their report that during the investigation of the CO leak, Engine 40 discovered numerous hazards, safety concerns in the dwelling. Specifically, it was observed that there were no CO carbon monoxide detectors, not enough smoke detectors, and many points of egress were blocked. Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.

March 31, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—According to documents obtained from an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request by MidJersey.news it was revealed that an EMT's carbon monoxide alarm sounded in a North Main Street home while treating a patient for a possible stroke. High levels of carbon monoxide were found in the dwelling. It was later revealed that the home was turned into a boarding house and housing thirty-three BAPS Temple volunteers. The building was evacuated, the Police, Fire Department, Construction Department and Fire Marshal responded.

According to reports, Robbinsville Ambulance 40, EMS workers responded to 93 North Main Street in Windsor on March 15, 2023 for a person believed to be having a stroke. When the ambulance crew entered the structure "A40 single gas CO monitor began to alarm." Warning the ambulance crew of carbon monoxide present. The Fire/EMS report states "The patient was removed from the building and into the ambulance for further assessment. A40 transported with ALS to RWJ Hamilton. Squad 40 remained on scene and investigated the CO alarm."

The Robbinsville Police Department report states police responded with Ambulance 40 and Engine 40 for a patient with possible stroke symptoms. As the EMT's were evaluating the patient the EMT's carbon monoxide detector emitted a warning about carbon monoxide levels in the dwelling.

The Robbinsville Police Department report also stated that the "building was currently housing thirty-three female work volunteers for the BAPS Temple (112 North Main Street)."

According the police record, Engine 40 investigated and confirmed that there was very high CO levels within the home. All occupants were evacuated immediately.

Police also noted in their report that during the investigation of the CO leak, Engine 40 discovered numerous hazards, safety concerns in the dwelling. Specifically, it was observed that there were no CO carbon monoxide detectors, not enough smoke detectors, and many points of egress were blocked. Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.

Police notified the Robbinsville Township Engineer Construction Official and the Robbinsville Fire Marshal. The building was not allowed to be occupied until a inspection the following day.

The record states that, after Engine 40 had been able to properly vent the building and the carbon monoxide was at a safe level, the residents were allowed to retrieve their necessary belongings, and were then relocated by BAPS representatives. Once the residents all left, the building was secured and police tape was put across the doorways.

The report stated that the Township Engineer Construction Official did respond to the location to investigate and posted the building as an Unsafe Structure/Immediate Hazard due to the unapproved boarding and various code violations.

The Property Record Card indicates that the property is owned by PRAMUKH SWAMIJI LLC, 8005 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore, Maryland. It was purchased for $1,001,000 on December 20, 2017. The Property Class is 3A "Farm Property (Regular)"

The Construction Department issued a "Notice of Unsafe Structure" on March 16, 2023 states "Unapproved Boarding/Rooming House, Unsafe Equipment, No Smoke or CO Alarms"

The Construction Department "Notice of Violation and Order To Terminate" on March 16, 2023 states "Unapproved Boarding/Rooming House"

There are three "Notice of Violation and Order to Terminate" indicating that "Work Done Without A Permit"

There are also three "Notice and Order of Penalty" notices issued on March 16, 2023 with "failed to obtain construction permit" with an order to pay of $2,000 with a combined total of the three orders of $6,000. In penalties were issued.

UPDATE: Statement from Robbinsville Township Council Regarding BAPS Investigation

April 10, 2023

Members of Township Council are profoundly disturbed by the recent findings at dwellings on North Main Street and Voelbel Road. The conditions found within those buildings, the number of occupants residing there, along with the myriad of Fire Code and Uniform Construction Code violations are obviously unacceptable. The safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to Robbinsville Township is paramount, and we will continue to do everything within our power to hold the person(s) responsible for these violations accountable. As Mayor Dave Fried stated previously in media interviews, all the houses known to be boarding dozens of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha volunteers have been shut down with some deemed uninhabitable until all required repairs are completed, and inspections conducted. All Code violations found will be pursued in Municipal Court. Robbinsville Township Administration and the Police Department have referred the case to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. While outside agencies are investigating, including the FBI, we ask for your patience as they carefully and methodically review the case. While we understand people want to know all the details as soon as issues occur, that is not always possible because those pieces of information could very well disrupt and even derail an investigation. There is a team of people working hard every day to keep everyone safe. Please keep in mind Robbinsville officials, with the help of residents, initiated these raids.Please continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Township Administration and our Police Department. Also feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Debbie Blakely – PresidentMike Todd – Vice PresidentChris CiaccioRon WittMike Cipriano**********

All documents obtained by OPRA, Open Public Records Act request by MidJersey.News are listed below:

Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.

The Robbinsville Police Department report also stated that the "building was currently housing thirty-three female work volunteers for the BAPS Temple (112 North Main Street).

Photo obtained by OPRA request states CO pipe heater

Prior MidJersey.News coverage:

Prior Midjersey.news story:

There has been no updates on the prior situation with BAPS workers from May 11, 2021 see prior news story here: