A man has been accused of consuming a beer and observing as he ignited a fire that resulted in the deaths of four individuals in a New York building.
Roman Almatitla, aged 38, is facing charges of arson, murder, and assault related to the incident at a three-story structure in Flushing last month, as revealed by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Tragically, three adults and a three-year-old girl lost their lives in the blaze. Chengri Cui, 49, Shin Chie Ming, 61, along with the young girl, succumbed to smoke inhalation at the scene. Hong Zhao, 64, sustained fatal injuries after jumping from a window to escape the fire.
In addition to the fatalities, several people sustained injuries, including two firefighters who had to be rescued when a staircase collapsed during the incident.
Almatitla reportedly confessed that he had no specific reason to be at the building that day and allegedly started the fire out of frustration over losing his job. Surveillance footage captured him purchasing beer and a lighter before setting the fire in the building.
The building, comprising commercial space on the first floor and residential apartments on the upper levels, witnessed harrowing scenes as individuals attempted to escape the flames. The property had a history of violations, with the latest infraction noted in January for failing to maintain the premises properly.
The tragic event has shed light on the safety concerns surrounding the building, raising questions about the enforcement of building regulations and the need for improved oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.