Firefighter, civilian killed in North Philadelphia blaze
PHILADELPHIA -- A Philadelphia firefighter was killed battling a row home fire in North Philadelphia Saturday morning.
Lt. Matt LeTourneau, 42, died after a collapse inside the building on the 2200 block of North Colorado Street.
Companies had been dispatched around 8:51 a.m. and arrived on the scene three minutes later.
While fighting the fire, there was a structural collapse and LeTourneau became pinned under debris.
Authorities said a person inside the home died in the blaze. Another person from a neighboring home was taken to the hospital and was listed in critical condition.
Two other firefighters were also injured in the fire and were being treated at a hospital. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
"Our hearts are breaking," said Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel. "And we are without words."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
LeTourneau was an 11-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department, where he was promoted to lieutenant in 2015. He received a unit citation in 2010 and a letter of commendation for his service during the World Meeting of Families in 2015.
He was a 1993 graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and held an associate's degree in fire science from Delaware County Community College.
He lived in Springfield and is survived by his mother, other relatives and friends.
Funeral arrangements for LeTourneau have not yet been announced.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
