PHILADELPHIA ( Associated Press) – One firefighter was killed and five others were injured, two seriously, after they were trapped in a Philadelphia building that caught fire and then collapsed early Saturday, officials said. Told.
A fire was reported shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday at a building in North Philadelphia. According to officials, eight people inside were rescued and it was signaled shortly after that the fire had been brought under control.
Fire Department Deputy Commissioner Craig Murphy said the building collapsed at 3:24 a.m.
Lieutenant Sean Williamson, 51, was pronounced dead on the spot when he and another firefighter were freed from the rubble hours after the collapse. Three other firefighters and an inspector from the city’s Licensing and Inspection Department were immediately rescued. Murphy said a firefighter jumped from the second floor and escaped being trapped by the building collapse.
Officials said the condition of two firefighters at Temple University Hospital was critical but stable, and the other three victims were treated and released.
Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel told reporters Saturday night that rescuers were “able to communicate” with “Williamson and another firefighter.” They were trapped for most of the hour, but due to the extent of Williamson’s collapse and location inside the structure Cause “we could” save him.”
Thiel said the former Marine was “highly respected throughout our department” and had trained “countless” cadets. Williamson will be cremated “with all due respect” by the fire department.
“Given the tremendous support I have seen and seen as a department, this is expected to be a huge event,” he said.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney called it “a heartbreaking day for our city”.
“For more than 27 years, (Williamson) has dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of Philadelphia and has sacrificed his life to protect others,” Kenny said in a statement. “This morning, like every day, he gave our first responders the example of heroism they do every day: put on their uniforms, spare their loved ones, and do their sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of this city. ” ,
The Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire with the help of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
