Ben Hider/Reuters
Five people face criminal charges over their alleged role in an illegal gas hookup that caused a fatal explosion in Manhattan’s East Village last year, killing two people and leveling three buildings. Building owner Maria Hrynenko, her son Michael Hrynenko, an unlicensed plumber Athanasios Ioannidis, and general contractor Dilber Kukic were all charged with second-degree manslaughter, assault, endangerment, and other charges in connection with the March 26 explosion. A second plumber is also facing charges of falsifying documents. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said Thursday the five suspects “weaponized” the building when they allegedly rigged an illegal gas line. The five were arrested Thursday morning and were arraigned in court.