A 7-year-old boy died, and his mother and 4-year-old brother were injured after a house fire on Detroit’s west side over the weekend, as a neighbor and firefighters rushed to help.
First responders were called to the 12000 block of Rutherford Street on Sunday, Dec. 14, shortly before 6 a.m. local time, after reports of a blaze, the Detroit Fire Department confirmed in a statement.
When crews arrived, officials said they found the child inside the home with severe burns. He did not survive. Authorities also corrected earlier reports that the victim was a girl.
The boy’s mother remains in critical condition, and his 4-year-old brother is recovering from smoke inhalation, according to NBC affiliate WDIV, ABC affiliate WXYZ, and the Detroit Free Press. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Neighbor Rushed to Help After Seeing Child Outside in Freezing Weather
As the fire broke out, a neighbor ran to assist after spotting the younger child outside in 5-degree weather, WDIV reported.
“I looked out the window, it’s 6 in the morning,” the neighbor, identified as Marcus, told the outlet. He recalled thinking, “What’s that baby doing outside with a pull-up on?’ ”
Marcus said he didn’t stop to fully get dressed before rushing outside, bringing the child into his own home, then going back out to help the boy’s mother. She tried to reach the other child but couldn’t because of the intensity of the flames, he told WDIV.
When firefighters arrived, Marcus said he warned them that another child was still inside.
“I think it’s another kid in there, because [he] was screaming and hollering,” Marcus recalled telling the crew, according to the outlet. He added that they couldn’t understand what the child was saying because the screams were so loud.
Firefighters Battled the Blaze Despite Frozen Hydrant
Firefighters were able to put out the fire despite a frozen hydrant.
“Our hearts are broken for this family and for a community mourning the loss of a young child whose life was taken far too soon,” Detroit Fire Department Commissioner Chuck Simms said in a statement.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of how quickly fires can turn deadly, especially for children,” he continued. “Our firefighters did everything possible under extremely difficult circumstances, and we remain committed [to] educating our residents and doing all we can to prevent another family from experiencing such unimaginable loss.”
