Man 'drank beer and watched after starting New York building fire' killing four

Man 'drank beer and watched after starting New York building fire' killing fourRoman Almatitla, 38, has been accused of starting a fire at a three-storey building in Flushing, New York, which left four people dead including a three-year-old girlNewsTim Hanlon News Reporter20:04, 12 Apr 2026Updated 20:04, 12 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesFirefighters tackling the blaze in Flushing(Image: WABC-TV)A man is alleged to have drunk a beer and watched after setting fire to a New York building which left four people dead.‌Roman Almatitla, 38, has been charged with arson, murder, and assault all in connection to the fire that took place at a three-storey building in Flushing last month.‌Three adults and a three-year-old girl died in the tragedy where others had to jump out of windows to escape the blaze, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.‌View 2 ImagesFour people died in the tragedy(Image: WABC-TV)READ MORE: UK to sizzle at 22C within days as heatwave hits 6 countiesREAD MORE: Keir Starmer sends warning to US and Iran after peace talks break downChengri Cui, 49, Shin Chie Ming, 61, and the young girl, were found dead at the scene from smoke inhalation. Hong Zhao, 64, leapt from a window and sustained brain trauma and numerous broken bones, before later being pronounced dead at the hospital.Several other people were injured, including two firefighters who had to be rescued from the building after a staircase collapsed.‌Almatitla admitted he had no particular reason to attend the building that day, reportedly said prosecutors, and he is alleged to have started the fire out of anger at losing his job that day.He entered the building a number of times before heading to a petrol station across the street where he bought a beer, stole another and asked the cashier behind the register to borrow a lighter, said the District Attorney.CCTV footage showed him at the petrol station and then he returned to the building where he followed a woman inside as she opened the d...