Pocono News Section

New Developments In Triple Fatal Fire

New Developments In Triple Fatal Fire - Friday, January 25, 2008 at 6:36PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Friday, Jan 25, 2008 @06:36pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- There are new questions surrounding Thursday morning’s triple fatal fire in Wilkes-Barre.

Several sources tell WBRE News there weren’t any smoke alarms in the bedrooms of the apartment where the fire began. Word also came late Friday afternoon that the City of Wilkes-Barre has fined the owner of the property $3,000.00 for failing to request a rental inspection.

Yasmin Pascual is a grieving mother plagued by a triple tragedy. The 26-year-old came home from work Thursday morning to find her South Franklin Street apartment on fire. Pascual's son 5-year-old Angel Torres died. So did his sister 3-year-old Alia Van Pelt and her father, 26-year-old Victor Van Pelt.

Family friend Donna Munoz said, "It's a sad tragic thing, but they're with the lord, I know that. The family is extremely devastated, extremely devastated."

Munoz came to pay respect at the sight of a growing tribute. Yaddie Pasqual moved in to 522-South Franklin street about a month ago. She tells WBRE News there were no smoke alarms in either bedroom where the victims were found.

When asked if there were smoke alarms in the apartment, Wilkes-Barre City Fire Chief Jacob Lisman responded, “It's under investigation."

According to documents obtained by WBRE News, Wilkes-Barre City Code says smoke alarms are required in each sleeping room and outside each sleeping area.

John Sobeck owns 522 South Franklin Street. We called and stopped by his business, “First General Services,” a fire restoration company. But employees said he wasn't available for comment. Sobek will be fined $500.00 to each of the building's six units that were not inspected.

Meanwhile a fire victims' fund for the Torres and Van Pelt families has been set up at the Wilkes-Barre Postal Federal Credit Union. All checks may be made out to:

Wilkes-Barre Fire Department Auxiliary Fund
566 South Main St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701