Criminal charges are being brought today in the deaths of two firefighters who jumped from an illegally subdivided Bronx building that erupted in flames last year.
Eyewitness News has learned a Bronx grand jury has been probing the deaths, and hearing evidence regarding who owned the building and who ordered the illegal subdivision.
Prosecutors described the probe as a "complex undertaking," as investigators sorted out the ownership and the contracting of the renovations.
Officials say the indictment will be unsealed today during an arraignment at Bronx State Supreme Court. Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson will hold a news conference following the arraignment.
Two firefighters, Lt. Curtis Meyran and Firefighter John Bellew, died in the blaze at 236 East 178th Street on Jan. 23, 2005.
The Bronx fire led the FDNY to issue firefighters personal ropes that could have prevented the deadly four-story plunges. The entire department is expected to be trained and have them by June.
The two were among three firefighters who died in fires on that day, which has come to be known within the department as "Black Sunday."
(Copyright 2006 WABC-TV)
