A terrifying fire in Pennsylvania has left a family shaken after a man allegedly set his stepbrother’s home ablaze with 10 people inside, forcing them to jump from the roof to escape.
Man Accused of Setting Stepbrother’s Home on Fire
Anthony Mohamed, 37, faces multiple charges, including six counts of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated arson, arson causing danger of death, reckless endangerment, burglary, criminal trespass, and nine counts of recklessly endangering another person.
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office said Mohamed “intentionally” started the fire on March 29, just before 8 a.m., at a duplex on McCargo Street in New Kensington, northeast of Pittsburgh.
Family Fleeing the Blaze
Authorities reported that the fire grew quickly, prompting people inside to jump from the second floor to escape. Firefighters arrived to see flames engulfing the house.
New Kensington Fire Chief Ed Saliba told NBC affiliate WPXI, “The husband jumped off the roof, the wife threw the three kids down to him, he got them to safety, and when she jumped, she broke her leg.”
Neighbors also rushed to help. One said, “Flames were shooting out the window behind them. I just took off my robe, wrapped up the kids, and got them out of the street and away from the house because stuff started exploding.”
Medics treated the mother’s broken leg, and all children were reported safe. Up to 10 people were inside the home at the time.
Investigation and Arrest
Police reviewed neighborhood surveillance and saw Mohamed walking toward the house at 7:38 a.m., with smoke visible by 8:00 a.m.
Detectives confirmed his identity, and a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal determined the fire was intentionally set using a direct flame device to ignite combustibles inside the home.
After nearly two months on the run, U.S. marshals arrested Mohamed. Authorities confirmed he was the stepbrother of one of the residents.
The victim’s partner told Mohamed, “You tried to kill my children. You tried to take everything I have in this world from me.
I hope that one day, when you’re sitting there rotting in your cell, you realize that you did have something to lose.”
Mohamed is expected to appear in court on June 2.
This frightening incident highlights the dangers of arson and the bravery of first responders and neighbours who rushed to save lives.
