New clue in firefighter deaths

Buffalo, N.Y. (WIVB) - News 4 has learned, yet another circumstance that led to the deaths of two Buffalo firefighters.

Inspections and Permits Deputy Commissioner Jim Comerford tells Senior Correspondent Rich Newberg that the fire, in the basement, weakened the support beams on the first floor, while Lt. Charles “Chip” McCarthy and Firefighter Jonathan Croom searched the building for a potential victim. At that very point, the weight of the coolers, and other material on the first floor, caused the floor to cave in, taking the firefighters with it.

The August 24 fire inside Super Speedy Deli destroyed the building. McCarthy's and Croom's bodies were carried out after the fire was brought under control.

Other unfortunate circumstances may have included an argument outside the building, where the voices were thought to have come from inside, as well as popping sounds of material in the basement caused by the fire. Two people who called 911 believed someone was trapped, based on the sounds they could hear from the street.

Investigators found no signs of survivors or additional victims in the rubble of the fire.