Local

Building owner charged in blaze that killed Pennsylvania firefighter

By Associated Press
1 firefighter dead after Philadelphia building collapse This photo provided by the Philadelphia Fire Dept., emergency personnel respond to the scene of a building that caught fire then collapsed early Saturday, June 18, 2022 in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Fire Department said “several” firefighters and a city inspector became trapped when a building collapsed during a fire response early Saturday, with more than one person still under the rubble hours later. (Philadelphia Fire Dept. via AP) (AP)
By Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The owner of a Philadelphia building where a firefighter died while on the job this month has been charged with setting the blaze.

Authorities made the announcement Tuesday.

RELATED >> Philadelphia building collapse: Officials identify firefighter who died

They also say 28-year-old Al-Ashraf Khalil lied to authorities probing the June 18 blaze.

They say he later flew from the United States to Jordan after telling investigators he had no travel plans.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

But he was refused entry to Jordan and was arrested Friday at an airport in New York City.

Khalil’s lawyer says his client had no role in starting the fire.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

The blaze killed Lt. Sean Williamson and injured five other people.

TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS

©2022 Cox Media Group

0

Most Read