Man Arrested After Deadly Motel Fire in New York Leaves 6 Dead, Dozens Displaced

The structure became fully engulfed as crews worked to contain the flames.

Published: 6/23/2026, 4:44:05 PM EDT

Man Arrested After Deadly Motel Fire in New York Leaves 6 Dead, Dozens Displaced — An ambulance drives with its sirens and lights on as snow falls during a blizzard warning in Iowa City, Iowa, on Dec. 21, 2022. (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen via AP)

A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the deadly motel fire in Endwell, New York, that left six people dead and displaced numerous residents, authorities said.

Tyler Russell, of Endwell, was taken into custody around 8:26 p.m. June 22 following an ongoing investigation into the blaze at the Knights Inn, according to a New York State Police news release. He faces six counts of second-degree manslaughter, a class C felony, and one count of fourth-degree arson, a class E felony. Russell was processed at the State Police barracks in Endwell before being transferred to the Broome County Jail for arraignment.

The fire broke out earlier that morning at around 6:01 a.m. at the Knights Inn located at 2603 East Main St., requiring a large-scale emergency response. Multiple 911 calls reported the blaze as it quickly intensified.

When firefighters arrived, they encountered “heavy black smoke in the front of the building and flames showing from the rear of the building,” and the fire spread rapidly. The structure became fully engulfed as crews worked to contain the flames.

Authorities confirmed that six people were killed in the fire. Officials said the identities of the victims have not yet been released pending further investigation.

At least two individuals were transported to Wilson Medical Center for treatment. Numerous residents were displaced by the fire and received assistance from the American Red Cross, which established a temporary shelter at Vestal United Methodist Church.

The Red Cross has since indicated it has sufficient resources to support those affected and asked that donations of hygiene products and clothing be paused. The organization is continuing to coordinate with local groups to address any additional needs.

Fire officials described the incident as a “three alarm fire” that required a large, coordinated response involving multiple agencies, according to a statement from the Endwell Fire Department. Crews from numerous neighboring departments, along with emergency medical services, fire investigators, law enforcement, and local officials, all responded to the scene of the fire.

“First and foremost, our deepest thoughts and continuous prayers are with the victims and their families who were impacted by this morning's tragic events,” the fire department said in their Monday post on Facebook.

Authorities said additional information, including the identities of the victims and further details about the case, will be released as it becomes available.

An American Red Cross volunteer told the Democrat and Chronicle that an estimated 73 residents were displaced by the fire.

An emergency relief fund has been established through the United Way of Broome County, which raised over $40,000 as of Tuesday afternoon to aid displaced residents.

“In a matter of moments, residents lost not only their housing, but also many of their personal belongings, clothing, medications, and essential items,” the organization wrote in a post on Facebook, noting that physical/in-kind donations are not currently needed.