This morning, Prudential Douglas Elliman (DOUG) broker Mark Baum received an email from Dr. Nicholas Bartha, the owner and occupant of 34 East 62nd Street, the site of today’s massive explosion.
“I read the email at around 8:50 or 8:55,” said Mr. Baum, who became concerned for the doctor’s welfare. “I reported it to 911 right away.”
However, the explosion occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m, and Dr. Bartha was later found in the rubble, still alive.
It has been reported that Dr. Bartha’s estranged wife also received the rambling, 15-page email, but not how many others did, too.
“The email will eventually be made public,” said Mr. Baum, who did not go into details.
Mr. Baum had worked with Dr. Bartha in the past, renting out at least one of the apartments in the four-story townhouse, according to a real estate source.
” We had a business relationship.,” said Mr. Baum. “After six years, you can build a relationship a little bit outside of the business. Not that we socialized much, but we had a smooth business relationship.”
“He was definitely hurt by the divorce,” said Mr. Baum.
– Michael Calderone
