A 24-year-old man, Tyler J. Russell, was arrested and charged with arson and six counts of second-degree manslaughter after a deadly motel fire in Endwell, New York.

The blaze tore through the Knights Inn early Monday morning, rapidly engulfing the building and producing heavy smoke and flames.

Six people were killed and at least two others were injured, while about 73 guests were displaced.

Emergency crews responded quickly, but the fire spread too fast to contain before causing major loss of life, USA Today has reported.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause or motive behind the fire, and the investigation is ongoing.