One Dead & One Airlifted In New Chicago Fire
Around 2:30PM Thursday a fire broke out in The Ravinia Pines mobile home park that quickly spread to two other neighboring trailers. One female was airlifted by UCAN in serious condition and another individual believed to be a 2 year old child did not make it out of the home. Firefighters rescued the mother that was airlifted from the home that was unable to escape due to the flames blocking the exit. Neighboring witnesses believe one of the occupants may have been a child which was confirmed by Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Sowash of The New Chicago Fire Department.
Fire Crews spent close to two hours extinguishing the fire that could be seen for miles. On arrival they were met with heavy fire conditions, Sowash said. Sowash said it’s been a difficult afternoon for all the first responders. Firefighters from New Chicago, Hobart, Lake Station, South Haven, Portage, Merrillville, and Lake Ridge fought the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation and The State Fire Marshal is on scene.
Friday Update – The Fire still remains under investigation, according to New Chicago Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Sowash. The mother as of 10am Friday is still in critical condition at a Chicago Hospital. First responders & dispatchers are having a rough time taking the loss of the child in. Multiple stress debriefing and counselor programs have been made available this week for them. A fund has been setup for the families affected which can be reached at this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/expenses-for-tragedy?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
