Veteran and young Philadelphia firefighters killed in Kensington blaze

Two Philadelphia firefighters died this morning fighting a warehouse blaze that had spread to other buildings in the Kensington neighborhood.

Ladder Company 10 identified the deceased as  Lt. Robert Neary and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney. Neary was 60 years old, Sweeney was 25.

“We come together as a band of brothers and sisters. we support each other. We stay together. Firefighters, paramedics, officers, the police, we’re being supported,” said Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers.

Five men were fighting flames that had spread into a neighboring building when a wall collaped. One was able to get out on his own. It took hours to free the other four. Firefighters Neary and Sweeney were pronounced dead at Temple Hospital.

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The warehouse had been reported for multiple violations. Commissioner Ayers says his department would pursue a full investigation into the cause and request criminal charges if it’s arson. 

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