TRAGIC LOSS
Firefighter Sean Williamson killed in horror Philadelphia building collapse as five more are pulled from the rubble
A FIREFIGHTER has been killed in a building collapse that left four more firefighters and a building inspector trapped in the rubble.
Rescue crews scrambled to the scene after the collapse of a three-story restaurant and residential building in Philadelphia at 3.24am on Saturday morning.
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Firefighter Lieutenant Sean Williamson, 51, was pronounced dead after the building came down, according to officials.
Williamson was a 27-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
The building collapsed as the firefighters were escorting residents out of the building after responding to a fire.
The building was reportedly leaning after the initial fire was put out.
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Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy said that six people, five firefighters, and a city inspector, were initially trapped.
The four other firefighters and the inspector were rescued and taken to the hospital.
The four firefighters were Lieutenant Sylvester Burton (Fire Marshal), Lieutenant Clarence Johnson, Firefighter Dennis Bailey, and Firefighter Robert Brennan, Jr.
The inspector was Thomas Rybakowski, Supervisor, Emergency Services Unit, L&I.
Two firefighters and Rybakowsi have since been released from Temple University Hospital.
Other agencies responded to the scene including Philadelphia police and the American Red Cross.
Murphy said in a press briefing, "It's going to be a rough few weeks coming up."
Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement about Williamson, "This is a heartbreaking day for our city,"
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"I ask all Philadelphians to keep his family, and all members of the Philadelphia Fire Department, in your prayers at this difficult time.”
To honor the memory of Lieutenant Williamson, all flags in Philadelphia will be flown at half-staff for 30 days.
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