Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Grand jury finds safety issues at NY group home where four died in fire last March

From WTEN:

WELLS, N.Y. -- A grand jury investigating the fire in Wells that killed four mentally disabled people last March has found a number of safety issues inside the group home.

The jury recommends turning over inspection and code enforcement at all group homes for the disabled to the State Office of Fire Prevention, because the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities lacks needed expertise.

It also recommends further investigation by police agencies of alleged falsified records regarding fire training and drills at the home.

A spokesman for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities says the agency is reviewing the report.