NEW CASTLE, Pa. --
The fire marshal is investigating a fire that damaged a Lawrence County restaurant late Sunday night.
The fire marshal is investigating a fire that damaged a Lawrence County business late Sunday night.
Fire crews were called to Matty’s Diner in the 1100 block of Croton Avenue near the intersection with North Vine Street at about 10:30 p.m.
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Flames and smoke could be seen billowing from the roof and windows for hours, as crews battled the blaze.
Channel 4 Action News' Amber Nicotra reported that extra trucks were brought in to help knock down the intense flames.
It wasn't until around 3:30 a.m. Monday that crews were able to finally clear the scene.
Nicotra spoke with the men who owned the building and they told her they're devastated. They said they bought the building 4 years ago and turned it into their own restaurant. But just a couple of months ago they rented it to someone else and they said they ran into a few problems.
Andy Senchak said he can't believe what happened to his building.
"It's very devastating to come up here in the middle of the night and it's up in flames," Senchak said.
Senchak said he rented the building in October to Matt Benegasi, of New Castle, who turned it into Matty's Diner.
Although it opened in October, it was shut down last week.
"We closed it down last Sunday. The tenant wasn't keeping up with the lease agreement. So we changed the locks on it," Senchak said. "We have a lot of questions. But who do we ask though? I don't know, we'll have to wait and see."
Channel 4 Action News has been unable to reach Benegasi for comment.
There is no word on whether the fire is being considered suspicious and the fire marshal is continuing the investigation/
New Castle has been the scene of dozens of arsons since late 2007.
In October, police arrested six adults and two juveniles in connection with some of the fires. One of those suspects, Stephen Threats, was released when police found out they were looking for another man with the same name, but a different birthday.
Shuttered New Castle Restaurant Goes Up In Flames
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