Worcester, Massachusetts – Business Owner Breaks Ten Years of Silence Over Deadly Warehouse Fire
A ten year anniversary news series was enough to finally convince a business owner to speak out about a fire at his warehouse that killed 6 firefighters in 1999. Tony Kwan said in a new interview that the Fire Department inspected the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. building only a few days prior to the blaze, and found it safe and secure. He has provided a copy of their report to the local newspaper, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, which is running the series.
He also said that he prays twice a day for the men who were killed, but he does not feel personally guilty because he met all the requirements for keeping the building safe. Even so, he took the settlement from the insurance company and split it among four widows of the deceased firemen to settle a civil suit they filed against him.
An investigation of the fire found that it was started by some homeless people who broke into the building and knocked over a candle they were using. The laws in Massachusetts for securing abandoned buildings have become much stricter since 1999, including requiring stronger barriers to keep out intruders. Mr. Kwan reports that he follows the new, stricter laws that are now in effect as well.
Mr. Kwan discusses the reasons for his ten year silence as well as the settlement in the civil lawsuit in greater detail at Owner prays for dead; says building was secured.
Building owners have a legal responsibility to make sure that any property they own is secure. If you need guidance in understanding Florida building codes, please contact Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. for legal counsel.
