LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — There are two new lawsuits filed alleging the owners of the Alpine Motel Apartments failed to maintain a variety of safety equipment and could have avoided the deadly fire that claimed six lives, injured 13 and displaced dozens just days before Christmas.
The lawsuits, filed in Clark County District Court, name the owners of the property, Las Vegas Dragon Hotel, LLC, and Adolfo Orozco, a managing member of the building.
One of the plaintiffs is Francis Lombardo Jr., who was killed in the fire on Dec. 21, 2019.
READ: Lombardo estate v. Las Vegas Dragon Hotel, LLC
"They were very close, Francis Lombardo Jr. was a great father and really cared about [his son] Frank, Francis Lombardo III," said Attorney Adam Ellis, who is representing the family and the estate.
Ellis is also representing the family of Donald Keith Bennett, who was called a hero by several tenants after the fire.
Bennett served as a US Marine and helped people escape the building.
READ: Bennett estate v. Las Vegas Dragon Hotel, LLC
"The primary thing that we know as of now is that a lot more people would've been killed or injured if it weren't for the actions of Mr. Bennett," said Ellis.
Bennett lived at the complex and tenants say he died while trying to pry open an emergency door that was bolted shut.
The lawsuits alleges among several items, that apartment ownership failed to maintain basic fire equipment.
13 Investigates sought comment from the attorney representing the Alpine Motel Apartment ownership, as well as an attorney representing Aldolfo Orozco, but a request was not immediately returned.
