A 24-year-old Endwell man has been charged in connection with a fire at the Knights Inn in Endwell that left six people dead and displaced numerous residents.
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation announced Monday night that Tyler Russell was arrested following consultation with the Broome County District Attorney’s Office.
Russell has been charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter, a Class C felony, and one count of fourth-degree arson, a Class E felony.
State Police said Russell was processed at the Endwell barracks before being transported to the Broome County Jail for centralized arraignment.
The charges stem from a fire that broke out shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday at the Knights Inn, located at 2603 East Main Street in Endwell.
According to investigators, Broome County 911 received multiple reports of the fire at approximately 6:01 a.m. Members of the Endwell Fire Department arrived to find heavy black smoke at the front of the building and flames showing from the rear. The fire spread rapidly through the structure.
Authorities initially reported at least two fatalities, but later confirmed that six people died in the blaze. Several others were injured, with at least two people transported to Wilson Medical Center for treatment.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Numerous residents were displaced by the fire and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. A temporary shelter was established at Vestal United Methodist Church.
The fire prompted a large emergency response involving multiple fire departments, ambulance services, law enforcement agencies, and emergency management officials from across Broome County.
The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Broome County Office of Emergency Services, Broome County Mobile Crisis Response Team, Broome County Sheriff’s Office, Broome County Executive’s Office, and the Town of Union also responded to the scene.
State Police said the investigation remains active as investigators continue to process the scene. Additional information, including the identities of the victims, is expected to be released at a later time.
