Families of 5 NYC Firefighters Awarded $183M in Fatal Blaze

Two firefighters were killed in the Jan. 23, 2005 fire and three others were severely injured. A sixth firefighter died from his injuries in 2011.

Five families of New York City firefighters have been awarded $183 million after a fatal 2005 tenement blaze on a day known as "Black Sunday," authorities said.

The firefighters became trapped in the blaze and jumped out of the four-story building.

Two firefighters were killed in the Jan. 23, 2005 Bronx fire and three others were severely injured. A sixth firefighter died from his injuries in 2011.

A Bronx jury on Monday found the city 80 percent responsible for the deaths and injuries. The building's landlord was found liable for 20 percent.

The city was accused of negligence for failing to provide proper equipment that would've allowed the firefighters to escape. City officials say the liability was unfairly apportioned and that it's considering appealing.

The landlord couldn't be reached for comment. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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