Six people were killed and several others displaced after an early-morning fire at the Knights Inn in Endwell, N.Y., on June 22. State police arrested 24-year-old Tyler J. Russell, charging him with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of fourth-degree arson. First responders reported heavy smoke and rapid fire spread; multiple state and local agencies are assisting and an investigation is ongoing. Displaced residents are receiving aid from the American Red Cross.
Man Arrested After Deadly Knights Inn Fire In Endwell Kills Six, Displaces Several
Fatal fire at The Knights Inn in New YorkCredit: Endwell Fire/Facebook
A man is in custody after a devastating fire at the Knights Inn motel in Endwell, New York, on Monday, June 22, that left six people dead and several others displaced.
New York State Police (NYSP) announced in a press release that 24-year-old Tyler J. Russell was arrested and charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter (a Class C felony) and one count of fourth-degree arson (a Class E felony). The press release did not specify the evidence or events that led to Russell's arrest.
Fire and Response
The blaze began at approximately 6:01 a.m. local time at the Knights Inn on East Main Street in Endwell. When Endwell firefighters arrived they reported heavy black smoke coming from the front of the building and visible flames at the rear; the fire spread rapidly. As of publication, authorities confirmed six fatalities. The identities of the deceased have not been released.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the New York State Office of Fire, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services, and the Broome County Mobile Crisis Response Team. Local support also came from the Broome County Sheriff's Department, the Broome County Executive's office, the Town of Union Supervisor and other first responders.
Assistance For Displaced Residents
Several motel residents were displaced by the fire and are receiving aid from the American Red Cross. Many of those affected have taken temporary shelter at the Vestal United Methodist Church. According to the press release, the Red Cross is accepting donations of clothing and hygiene items; the Vestal United Methodist Church is not accepting food donations at this time.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by state police and partner agencies. PEOPLE has reached out to the New York State Police for additional comment.
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