UPDATE: The woman has been pronounced dead at Bronson Hospital. For updated story, click here.
A local woman is being treated for serious injuries after becoming trapped in a burning house.
The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety reported that at about 1:50 p.m. Monday, they responded to a report of a house fire at 854 LaSalle on the city’s north side. Authorities arrived on scene to find a small one-story house with thick smoke coming from the eaves of the home.
While performing a scene size up, the incident commander located a male in the rear of the home trying to make entry through the back door, however he was overcome by smoke. He advised that his wife was still inside.
“Units began an aggressive search for the victim inside the home while simultaneously attacking the fire with a second team,” states a BHDPS report. “Search and rescue quickly located a female victim and extricated her from the burning structure. The BHDPS search and rescue team began life-saving efforts immediately upon removing the victim from inside.”
Medic 1 Ambulance arrived about a short time later and took over the life saving efforts. The victim ultimately regained a pulse and was immediately transported to Corewell Health in St. Joseph, according to the report. The victim was later airlifted to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo for further treatment.
BHDPS thanked Medic 1, Benton Township Fire Department and St. Joseph DPS for their aid response and contribution to the overall success of the life-saving and firefighter efforts.
The victim is a female subject in her 50’s. Her name will not be released at this time at the request of family.
(Photo via BHDPS Facebook)
