PHILADELPHIA – A building caught fire and later collapsed in Philadelphia, killing a firefighter and injuring six others, two in critical condition after all were trapped early Saturday, authorities said.
The fire broke out just before 2 a.m. Saturday in a building in northern Philadelphia, eight people were evacuated safely and the fire was brought under control, officials said. At 3:24 a.m., the building collapsed, said Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy.
Lt. Sean Williamson, 51, was pronounced dead at the scene after he and another firefighter were released from the wreckage hours after the crash. Three other firefighters and an inspector from the city’s licensing and inspection department were released quickly. A firefighter jumped from the second floor to avoid being caught in the crash, Murphy said. Two firefighters are listed in critical but stable condition at Temple University Hospital, while the other three victims have been treated and released, officials said.
Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said in a statement Saturday afternoon that the department mourns “family, friends and community.” 8 a.m. Saturday that “there will be some tough weeks ahead.”
Mayor Jim Kenny called it “a heartbreaking day for our city.”
“For more than 27 years, he has dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of Philadelphia and sacrificing his life to protect others,” Kenny said in a statement. “Early this morning, as every day, he is an example of heroism, doing what our first responders do every day: put on your uniform, leave your loved ones and fulfill your oath to protect and serve the people of this city.”
The fire department is investigating the cause of the fire with the help of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Investigators are investigating what caused the collapse. Murphy said the building was affected by the fire, but it is unclear what caused it to fall.
Numerous firefighters stood nearby as rescue efforts unfolded, and some were spotted hugging or wiping tears from their eyes, numerous news outlets reported.
Patricia Sermarini told The Philadelphia Inquirer that she rushed to the scene when she saw the collapse signal because her son-in-law, a firefighter, was on the morning shift. She said he was one of the firefighters on the scene, but managed to get out of the building just before it collapsed.
But minutes later, Sermarini said, she saw firefighters pulling a body out of the rubble.
“It’s so awful,” she said. “It’s so difficult for them. They just want to go home to their families. “
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