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08/19/2008 01:46 PM

Homicide Charges Possible In Deutsche Bank Fire

By: NY1 News

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The Manhattan district attorney was not commenting Tuesday on a report that contractors and safety inspectors at the former Deutsche Bank building could be hit with homicide charges stemming from last year's fire that killed firefighters Joseph Graffagnino and Robert Beddia.

Investigators said the flames were sparked by a lit cigarette tossed by a worker demolishing the building. They say the building had a broken standpipe and sealed staircases, and that inspections of the building were not complete.

The New York Post said a grand jury is currently considering indictments against the John Galt Corp., which was hired to tear down the tower, and inspectors hired by the company to oversee demolition.

Prosecutors reportedly were also pushing other charges including money-laundering and racketeering, and might also be seeking criminal charges against the city as well.

When NY1 asked officials at the DA's office about the report, they would only say they hope to finish their investigation in the coming months.

A memorial and plaque dedication ceremony was held at the firefighters' SoHo firehouse Monday on the one year anniversary of the fire.