Fatal Nursing Home Fire here in CT

[NaomiMarie]

At least 10 people killed in Hartford nursing home fire

(Hartford-WTNH, Feb. 26, 2003 Updated 5:02 PM) _ At least ten people were killed in an early morning fire that swept through a nursing home. The fire marshal is treating the facility as a crime scene. Police have detained a person, but have not yet been able to interview the person.

The fire started in a patient's room and tore through the one-story Greenwood Health Center in Hartford early Wednesday.

Another 23 people were injured in the fire. More than 100 people were evacuated. Many residents are bedridden or confined to wheelchairs. Others are blind or mentally retarded.

The fire is the "biggest tragedy that we have suffered in a number of years in the city," Mayor Eddie Perez said. "Our first response is to the victims, their families..."

The fire was contained to one section of the one-story facility. Fire Chief Charles Teale said the situation was "extremely difficult."

"Upon my arrival it became apparent that all hands would be necessary to remove people to an area of refuge," Chief "Initially, you can't determine which portion of the building is safe enough to go in to because it's not just the fire that kills it's the smoke."

Streets around the Greenwood Health Center on the city's west side were blocked off except for emergency vehicles.

In an afternoon news conference, Chief Teale said not all family members have been notified.

Family members were taken to nearby buses. Wails and anguished screams could be heard. Some brought pictures of their loved ones hoping to find out any information, but they say the wait was frustrating.

"They haven't been able to release any names, so it's been a horrible time sitting here on the bus waiting," said Wendy Harrison.

Donna Smith said "they said they had two black women they couldn't identify, and they only gave us five names on the bus. Oh, I can't give up. I can't give up."

The first alarm was at 2:35 a.m. The fire eventually went to four alarms. Crews from surrounding towns came to assist Hartford firefighters.

Fire officials called the blaze "suspicious".

Police Chief Bruce Marquis said they have a person in custody, but they have not been able to conduct an interview because the person is under medical care and police cannot yet ask the person questions.

Marquis did not identify the person, but earlier reports indicated a 23-year-old woman who was a resident of the facility was being detained.

Police were planning to get an administrative search warrant to develop more information.

"It is being treated as a criminal investigation," chief state's attorney Christopher Morano said. Morano said any criminal prosecution would be handled by the Hartford State's attorney's office.


So sad <sigh>


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[dlabrie708]

I woke up to this news this morning. This past week and a half has been so tragic. Very very sad. Sounds like the person they are detaining has mental problems. How awful for everyone.

I cannot imagine if my mother was in there and I had to wait on a bus to find out if she was alive or not. Those poor families. I cannot imagine being older and not able to get out on my own either. It must have been so scary.



Lori


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[Juliannaluv]

What a terrible thing

This past week has brought such tragedy in the US with both fires & people being crushed to death! I simply can't imagine being in that type of situation and, God willing, will hopefully never have to experience this.

These families are most definitely in my prayers!!!

[freesurfer]

I did hear about this! This really tops off the week! I can't imagine anything sadder happening!

[Mouse7088]

Oh goodness...I saw this on the news as well and...it's just so sad...my thoughts and prayers for everyone even remotely involved.