UPDATE: A devastating house fire on Detroit’s west side has claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl early this morning, December 10, 2023. The tragic incident occurred around 6 a.m. on the 12000 block of Rutherford, near Greenfield and I-96, leaving the community in shock.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a woman and her two small children trapped inside. Neighbors described a harrowing scene as a 4-year-old boy was found outside in the bitter 5-degree weather, prompting immediate action from nearby residents. Marcus, a neighbor, recounted his frantic effort to save the child. “I didn’t even put on no pants,” he said. “I came out with my shorts on, ran out here and grabbed the baby, and then I came back and got her in the house.”
Rescue crews discovered the young girl inside the home suffering from severe burns. Despite efforts to save her, she was later pronounced dead at Sinai Grace Hospital. “It’s obviously sad whenever we lose somebody, but when it is a child, it really hits home to all of us,” stated Detroit Senior Fire Chief Leo Spitzig.
The mother of the children and the 4-year-old boy were also taken to the hospital. The mother is reported to be in serious condition, while the boy suffered from smoke inhalation but is expected to fully recover.
Compounding the crisis, firefighters encountered difficulties during the rescue due to the extreme cold. One of the fire hydrants near the home was frozen and non-operational, but crews managed to extinguish the flames. “That was not a factor,” Spitzig confirmed regarding the hydrant issue.
The Detroit Fire Department and the Detroit Police Department are currently investigating the cause of the fire. As the community grapples with this heart-wrenching loss—just days before Christmas—the impact of this tragedy resonates deeply within the city.
Officials urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation unfolds. The heartbreaking loss of a young life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by home fires, especially during the winter months.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities continue their investigation.
