Firefighter killed, 2 others seriously injured battling New York blaze in Binghamton
A firefighter is dead and two others suffered serious injuries fighting a massive blaze int he Southern Tier of New York on Wednesday night.
The fire broke in the city of Binghamton in Broome County just north of the Pennsylvania state line.
The identity of the firefighter killed had not been released as of Thursday morning.
Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham released a statement Thursday morning saying the firefighter was injured while battling a fire in the area of 1 Main St. downtown.
The firefighter was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, Kraham said. Two other Binghamton firefighters were injured battling the flames.
They were are being treated at Wilson Medical Center and are currently in stable condition.
'An unspeakable tragedy'
"This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our hearts are broken for the firefighter’s family," Kraham said in a statement.
"I ask us to all say a prayer for the entire Binghamton Fire Department community and our city," he said. "Every day, our firefighters brave dangerous situations to protect citizens and keep our community safe. The men and women who dedicate their lives to this work are heroes. Tonight, the City of Binghamton mourns a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice."
Others in law enforcement and emergency response were also quick to express their condolences on the loss.
"The entire Broome County Sheriff’s Office family offers our deepest condolences and prayers for the family, friends and colleagues of the Binghamton firefighter who lost his life last night in the line of duty serving our community," Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar said in a statement posted on Facebook
"Our prayers are also with the two injured firefighters currently recovering after last night’s fire."
The Johnson City Police Department also issued a statement about the tragedy.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Binghamton Fire Department firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty last night," the statement said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the entire department during this difficult time."
The cause and origin of the fire was not immediately known.
The Binghamton Fire Department is being assisted in the investigation by the Binghamton Police Department and New York state fire investigators through the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
This story has been udpated.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.