Authorities have charged a man on parole, previously convicted of grand larceny, with igniting a fire that led to the tragic deaths of six individuals at a homeless hotel in New York. The blaze also forced dozens of others to evacuate, officials reported.
Tyler Russell, aged 24, was apprehended on Monday and faces charges including six counts of second-degree manslaughter alongside one count of arson. These charges stem from the devastating fire at the Knights Inn located in Endwell, as stated by the New York State Police.
Emergency services were called to the location around 6 a.m. following incidents of a fire outbreak at the Broome County hotel. Upon arrival, firefighters from the Endwell Fire Department encountered a rapidly spreading blaze with thick, black smoke emanating from the front and flames raging at the back of the building.
The fire escalated quickly, prompting several additional fire brigades and law enforcement agencies to arrive for support and containment of the situation.
Tyler Russell faces serious charges: six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of arson. (Broome County Sheriff’s Office)
At least six people died in the fire, and two others were transported to a hospital for treatment, police said. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victims.
“First and foremost, our deepest thoughts and continuous prayers are with the victims and their families who were impacted by this morning’s tragic events. Please know that our entire department and community stand with you during this incredibly difficult time,” the Endwell Fire Department wrote on Facebook.
The American Red Cross assisted displaced guests, and a temporary shelter was established at Vestal United Methodist Church, police said. The United Way of Broome County also launched an emergency relief fund for victims of the fire that has raised tens of thousands of dollars in donations.
At least six people died in the fire and two were transported to a hospital for treatment. (Endwell Fire)
A volunteer with the Red Cross estimated that 73 people were displaced by the blaze, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.
Authorities have not announced a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Russell previously served about two years in state prison on a grand larceny conviction before being released on parole in February, according to prison records cited by Syracuse.com.
A volunteer with the Red Cross estimated that 73 people were displaced by the fire. (Endwell Fire)
Police said Russell was booked into the Broome County Jail on Monday pending arraignment.
The Knights Inn is one of several local hotels used by the Broome County Department of Social Services to house homeless people, according to WIVT.