Puppies Killed, Kids And Firefighter Hurt In House Fire
DETROIT (WWJ) - Nine pit bull puppies were killed and four people were hurt Monday morning in a fire on Detroit's northwest side.
Investigators said a teen, two children and a firefighter were injured in the blaze that broke out at about 3:30 a.m. at a home on Manor Street near Grand River and Meyers.
An 18-year old, 12-year old and 10-year-old -- all girls -- were rushed to Children's Hospital for treatment. The 12-year-old reportedly alerted the others to the blaze and all three were able to escape alive.
Neighbor Marcelus Bankston, who helped the girls when they came running, told WWJ Newsradio 950's Mike Campbell, there were nine puppies in the home that did not make it out.
" ... I'm just glad (the girls) all OK. The house can be replaced," Bankston said. "You know, it's a sad story but yet it's a good story."
Bankston said he does not believe the house had a furnace and that the family was using electric space heaters to keep warm.
The girls' mother had reportedly just left the house before the fire started and was back before EMS arrived.
The firefighter was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital. It was not immediately known how badly the four were injured. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
