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Staten Island Fire Kills 2; Arson Suspected in Queens Fire
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 17, 2008
Modified Jun 20, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 17, 2008
Modified Jun 20, 2008
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Two men were found dead when firefighters arrived to battle a fire in the Tompkinsville section of Staten Island. The fire at a vacant building was so intense that it took firefighters two hours to get it under control.
The fire looks suspicious, and the authorities are investigating whether the men died before or during the fire. Additionally, the building is one of three that was given the go-ahead for demolition last month by the Department of Buildings.
As for Saturday's fire in Middle Village, Queens that claimed three lives, the fire department says it was deliberately set. The deaths of 68-year-old Heriberto Garcia-Vera, his wife 48-year-old Flor Sandoval and their son 20-year-old Felipe Garcia-Sandoval are now considered homicides (another son survived).
It's believed that the suspected arsonist is one of the five people injured.
Tagged
arson
fire
middle village
queens
staten island
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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