Owner of building that collapsed, killing Philadelphia firefighter, accused of setting deadly blaze

A fire that led to a building collapse that killed a Philadelphia firefighter was allegedly set intentionally by building owner Al-Ashraf Khalil, federal investigators announced on Tuesday. Khalil is charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of fire and aiding and abetting.

Philadelphia Fire Department Lieutenant Sean Williamson, 51, died June 18 while battling the blaze.

"This finding is a glaring example of how the violent act of arson is, and in this instance, very unpredictable, and when someone sets a fire to a building, that fire can spread and cause the death and serious injuries of many individuals," ATF Special Agent Matthew P. Varisco said at a presser on Tuesday.