A fire at an apartment building in South Bend, Indiana Sunday night claimed the lives of five children, authorities said.
The South Bend Fire Department said in a news release that firefighters responded to 222 North LaPorte Ave. where upon arrival they encountered intense flames that occupied the first and second floors of the building.
The department added that despite the conditions, firefighters contained a good portion of the fire on the first floor and reached the second floor where several people were found trapped. In total, six people managed to save.
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“Tragically, five of these individuals, all children, would later be pronounced deceased,” the South Bend Fire Department said in a statement. “One survivor was rushed to Memorial Hospital and later airlifted to the Indianapolis Pediatric Burn Specialist Center for further treatment.”
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“While we mourn the loss of life, we also extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy,” the ministry’s statement continued. “The South Bend Fire Department is committed to supporting these families during this difficult time and is working closely with local and state authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.”
The department also said one of their firefighters fell from the second floor to the first floor. He was taken to a local hospital and is now recovering at his home.
South Bend Fire Chief Carl Buchanon at a news conference on January 22, 2024.
WSBT-TV
“This incident last night was a terrible tragedy in our community,” South Bend Mayor James Mueller said at a news conference Monday. “We know that this permeates the entire community today and will for some time to come. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with the family and the rest of our community… We will be looking to find answers in the coming days and figure out how to make sure this never happens again in South Bend or any community.”
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“Our hearts are broken and we are very sad right now,” South Bend Fire Chief Carl Buchanon said at a news conference. “We know how hard it is to lose someone because we do everything in our power to avoid it. But it hurts even more when it’s someone who has just started their time on this earth, is unable to make conscientious decisions, and there would be he should be helped by the adults we should be with.”
Buchanon added that the victims ranged in age from 17 months to 11 years old, and the latter was transported to Indianapolis. He also said that there was also an adult at the scene who gave the firefighters information about how many people were in the house at that moment. Buchanon said the adult was able to escape the fire, but not before making a “brave attempt” to help save the children, only to be overcome by thick smoke.
In a press release, the South Bend Fire Department praised its firefighters for their courage and dedication during Sunday’s fatal fire.
“Their actions reflect the highest ideals of selflessness and the ethos of citizens first, characteristics that are emblematic of the courage inherent in our city’s first responders,” the department said.
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