Two York firefighters die in collapse of gutted factory
York Mayor Michael Helfrich and York fire Chief David Michaels confirm the deaths of two firefighters, Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony, during a news conference Thursday night. (Photo: Chris Dunn)
(York) — Two York firefighters died in Thursday’s collapse of a section of the burned-out hulk of the Weaver Organ and Piano building, York Mayor Michael Helfrich said at a news conference at York City Hall Thursday night.
Zachary Anthony, 29, of York, and Ivan Flanscha, 50, of Red Lion, were the first York firefighters to die in the line of duty since 1971.
“This is the worst day in my career, this is the worst day for the York City Fire Department,” Fire Chief David Michaels said. “We are totally overwhelmed.”
The two other firefighters injured in the collapse “are beaten up and bruised.” Michaels said Assistant Chief Greg Altland, 52, and firefighter Erik Swanson, 50, are recovering and will be key in the healing process.
Helfrich said people were organizing to assist the families of the firefighters. He suggested people keep an eye on social media where he expected some fundraising efforts to be launched soon.
Anthony, who joined city police in 2010, was a “fun-loving guy,” a fire official said, adding “he was awesome,” as was Flanscha, a 20-year decorated veteran.
Regarding the investigation, city police Chief Troy Bankert said police have no reason to believe this is or isn’t arson. That remains under investigation.
Helfrich encouraged people to stay away from the scene of the fire at Broad and Walnut streets. Some power will need to remain cut, including power to the traffic light in that area.
News of Flanscha’s death had spread throughout the ranks of the fire department and various officials by 6 p.m. News of Anthony’s passing reached many of his brethren shortly before the news conference began.
Also injured in the collapse were Assistant Chief Greg Altland and firefighter Erik Swanson. They were in stable condition at York Hospital and were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The four were among teams of firefighters on the scene Thursday afternoon dealing with hot spots “that had the potential to engulf the building, putting neighboring homes and structures at risk,” according to the mayor.
Flanscha and Anthony became the 12th and 13th York firefighters killed in the line of duty in the department’s history.
Ivan Flanscha was one of two York firefighters killed Thursday, March 22, 2018. Wochit
The nearly 150-year-old brick building was under renovation to become apartments.It had been badly damaged in the fire Wednesday afternoon, during which another section of the structure collapsed.
At about 4 p.m. Thursday, additional sections collapsed, trapping the four. Firefighters, including crews from neighboring departments, immediately responded along with the York County Advanced Technical Rescue Team.
Once freed, the four were taken to York Hospital, escorted by the York City Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Department.
A city statement read: “We are terribly saddened for the loss suffered by the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of Ivan and Zachary. This marks a tragic day in York’s history.”
Mayor Helfrich added: “York City Residents will forever be grateful for the years of service that Ivan and Zachary gave to us to protect our lives and families. ”
More of the old Weaver Organ and Piano building in York collapsed the day after a massive fire, trapping four firefighters inside. Anthony Machcinski, York Daily Record
This story comes to us through a partnership between WITF and The York Daily Record.
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