Two Firefighters Killed in Kensington

A five-alarm blaze tore through the abandoned Thomas Buck Hosiery Factory, located near the intersection of Jasper and York Streets at 3:30 this morning. Embers caused the fire to spread to a nearby discount furniture store where five firefighters were working. Two firefighters were killed and the other three were taken to Temple University Hospital for injuries. The Fire Department had the blaze under control around 5:30 a.m. and officials are closely monitoring the remaining warehouse, which may be in danger of collapse. A press conference with Mayor Nutter is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. More as this story develops. [6ABC]

UPDATE: Ladder 10’s 60-year-old Lt. Robert Neary and 25-year-old Daniel Sweeney were the two firefighters killed earlier today. Mayor Nutter held a press conference in Florida and flags will fly at half-staff for 30 days in Philadelphia. [NBC Philadelphia]