DES PLAINES, Ill. (WLS) — A tragic update has emerged concerning the devastating fire in a Des Plaines condo building, as the man accused of intentionally setting the blaze has died, officials reported.
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The inferno erupted in the early hours of May 6, around 1 a.m., on the 1200 block of Harding Avenue. The incident has since shaken the community.
Authorities identified the individual as 36-year-old Taner Bayramli. He succumbed to the injuries he sustained from the fire on May 21, according to the police.
Residing on the building’s third floor, Bayramli was labeled a person of interest. Authorities claim to possess compelling video and forensic evidence, including footage and receipts of Bayramli purchasing a gasoline container and fuel from a nearby gas station.
Surveillance footage purportedly captures Bayramli spreading gasoline along the building’s corridors and stairwells. The fire led to a catastrophic collapse of the stairs, leaving many residents trapped inside, escalating the gravity of the situation.
Seven other people, including four children, were taken to hospitals after a reported explosion.
The entire building was destroyed, leaving most families displaced.
“We are not closing the investigation,” Des Plaines police Chief David Anderson said. “We are still waiting, as I mentioned, for electronic evidence that we have subpoenaed.”
Some residents told police the suspect had been acting erratically days before the blaze.
Police say if Bayramli has survived they would forward their findings to the state’s attorney so charges could be filed.
The family of Bayramli says they are filing a lawsuit against the building’s owners.
An attorney representing Bayramli’s family says his client is innocent.
Police say he had recently removed many of his valuables including his passport from the apartment.
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