OfficerBluePhiladelphia, PA – A Philadelphia firefighter was killed along with a citizen, and two more firefighters were injured while fighting a fire at a rowhome Saturday morning.
Lt. Matt LeTourneau, 42, was inside of the building in the 2200 block of North Colorado Street at around 10 a.m., when the building collapsed on him.
He was trapped for half an hour before other firefighters were able to pull him out. He was transported to the hospital, where he died, according to CBS.
Two other firefighters were transported to the hospital for non-serious injuries. One citizen died in the fire, and another is in critical condition.
“Our hearts are breaking,” Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel said. “And we are without words.”
Mayor Jim Kenney issued a statement, which said:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Lt. Matthew LeTourneau. I am grateful for his outstanding service to our city during his 11-year career. It is always a tragedy to lose a first responder in the line of duty. Lt. LeTourneau sacrificed his life trying to save others. Our firefighters demonstrate tremendous acts of heroism every single day. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”
Lt. LeTourneau, an 11-year-veteran of the department, was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the fallen hero’s family, and Philadelphia FD.