A man is in custody on suspicion of intentionally starting a fatal five-alarm fire Thursday in a New York City apartment building as part of a domestic dispute with his child’s mother
Wei Chu Wu, 45, is accused of setting his apartment on fire after getting into a fight with his wife. The fire spread quickly to multiple floors. At least 198 firefighters battled the 5-alarm fire for three hours. Investigators believe he set several fires in the apartment, including lighting mattress in a bedroom, and then left the doors open so the blaze would spread faster
A body “burned beyond recognition” on a fourth-floor fire escape.
Chu has been charged Friday with arson, second-degree murder, resisting arrest and attempted assault on a police officer, who suffered a broken hand.
Two civilians and seven firefighters suffered minor injuries.
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