URGENT UPDATE: A devastating house fire in Detroit has tragically claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl. The incident occurred early Sunday morning on the 12000 block of Rutherford, near Greenfield and I-96. Firefighters responded to emergency calls just before 6 a.m. as flames engulfed the home.
Witnesses reported a frantic scene as a woman and her two young children, aged 4 and 6, were believed to be trapped inside. A neighbor, identified as Marcus, rushed outside in freezing temperatures to rescue the 4-year-old boy, who was found alone in the 5-degree weather.
“I didn’t even put on no pants,” Marcus recounted. “I came out with my shorts on, ran out here and grabbed the baby.” Unfortunately, despite his efforts, firefighters later discovered the 6-year-old girl in the living room suffering from severe burns.
“She was screaming and hollering,” Marcus said, recalling the chaotic moment. “The house was engulfed in flames.” The child was transported to Sinai Grace Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Detroit Senior Fire Chief Leo Spitzig expressed the deep sadness felt by the community, noting, “It’s obviously sad whenever we lose somebody, but when it is a child, it really hits home to all of us.”
The mother and the 4-year-old boy were also taken to Sinai Grace. The mother is reported to be in serious condition while the boy is recovering from smoke inhalation.
Compounding the tragedy, the frigid temperatures posed challenges during the emergency response. Firefighters discovered that one of the hydrants near the scene was frozen and out of service, although Chief Spitzig confirmed this was not a factor in the fire’s spread.
As the community mourns the loss of a child just 11 days before Christmas, the cause of the fire remains under investigation by both the Detroit Fire Investigation Division and the Detroit Police Department.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for fire safety awareness, especially during winter months when such tragedies can occur. Residents are urged to ensure their homes are equipped with functional fire prevention measures.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
