Man Accused of Drinking Beer While Watching Deadly New York Building Fire
A man is alleged to have consumed a beer and observed the aftermath after deliberately setting fire to a building in New York, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals. Roman Almatitla, aged 38, has been formally charged with arson, murder, and assault in connection with the devastating blaze that occurred at a three-storey structure in the Flushing neighborhood last month.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the fire claimed the lives of three adults and a three-year-old girl, with other residents forced to leap from windows in a desperate bid to escape the inferno. The victims identified at the scene from smoke inhalation include Chengri Cui, 49, Shin Chie Ming, 61, and the young child. Hong Zhao, 64, sustained severe brain trauma and multiple fractures after jumping from a window and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Several other individuals suffered injuries, including two firefighters who required rescue when a staircase collapsed within the building. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the grave consequences of the alleged actions.
Alleged Motive and Actions
Prosecutors report that Almatitla admitted to having no specific reason to visit the building on the day of the fire. He is alleged to have started the blaze out of anger following the loss of his job that same day. Surveillance footage and witness accounts detail his movements: after entering the building multiple times, he crossed the street to a petrol station, where he purchased one beer, stole another, and requested a lighter from the cashier.
CCTV evidence then shows him returning to the building, following a woman inside as she opened the door. It is at this point that he allegedly ignited a piece of paper with matches and dropped it into a trash can near the exit for the second and third floors. The building's first floor is commercial, while the upper levels contain residential apartments.
Witness Accounts and Building Violations
A witness recounted to WNBC seeing two people jump from the second floor, with one woman desperately crying out, "My baby, my baby." This harrowing scene underscores the chaos and terror experienced by those trapped in the fire.
Further investigation reveals that the property has a history of regulatory issues. Since 2020, the Department of Buildings has issued over 50 violations for the site. In 2023, inspectors discovered an illegal gambling operation on the first floor, resulting in a $23,000 fine for the organizers. The most recent violation, recorded in January of this year, cited a failure to maintain the premises after extension cables were found running from the first to third floors, raising concerns about safety standards.
The case continues to develop as authorities pursue justice for the victims and their families, with Almatitla facing serious legal repercussions for his alleged role in this tragic event.
