A man has been arrested in connection with the motel fire that killed six people and displaced more than 70 others in Broome County, according to New York State Police.
Endwell man charged in deadly motel fire
Tyler J. Russell, 24, of Endwell was charged Monday night with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of fourth-degree arson, all felonies, state police said.
Russell was living at the Knights Inn at the time of the fire, according to state police spokeswoman Trooper Aga Tinker.
Authorities have not released details about what actions led to the charges. Tinker said the arson charge alleges a person damaged a building or vehicle by intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion, but declined to discuss the specific allegations in the case.
Russell was being held at the Broome County Jail pending arraignment.
Six killed, two injured in fire
The fire broke out Monday morning at the Knights Inn, 2603 E. Main St. in Endwell.
Emergency crews were called to the motel shortly after 6 a.m. Heavy black smoke poured from the building as flames rapidly spread through the two-story structure, eventually burning through the roof.
Firefighters from at least 10 departments responded and battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.
State police confirmed that six people died in the fire and two others were injured.
The victims’ identities have not been released. Tinker said neither of the injured individuals suffered life-threatening injuries. One person was treated and released from a local hospital, while another was treated at the scene.
Motel housed people experiencing homelessness
The Knights Inn had been used by the Broome County Department of Social Services as emergency housing for people experiencing homelessness.
The American Red Cross estimated that 73 residents were displaced by the fire. Vestal United Methodist Church was opened as a temporary shelter for those affected.
Community support quickly followed. More than $19,000 was donated Monday to an emergency relief fund established by the United Way of Broome County to assist displaced residents.
Many residents lost their housing and personal belongings, including clothing, medications and other necessities.
Investigation continues
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Authorities have not released additional information about what may have sparked the blaze.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Man charged after deadly NY motel fire kills 6
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
