UPDATE: A devastating house fire on December 10, 2023, in Detroit has claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl. The incident occurred early Sunday morning on the 12000 block of Rutherford Street near Greenfield and I-96, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Emergency responders received calls just before 6 a.m., reporting that three individuals—a mother and her two young children, ages 4 and 6—were potentially trapped inside the burning home. As flames engulfed the structure, neighbors rushed to help, with one resident, identified as Marcus, recounting his frantic efforts to save the children.
Marcus described the chilling scene: “I looked out the window, and I saw the 4-year-old boy standing outside in just a pull-up in 5-degree weather.” Without hesitation, he dashed outside in his shorts and brought the boy to safety. Tragically, when rescue crews arrived, they discovered the 6-year-old girl in the living room, suffering from severe burns.
“She was screaming and hollering,” Marcus recalled. “I told them there was another kid in there, but the flames were too intense.” Despite immediate medical attention, the girl was transported to Sinai Grace Hospital but unfortunately did not survive.
Detroit Senior Fire Chief Leo Spitzig expressed the heartbreak felt throughout the community, stating, “It’s a very difficult morning for the city of Detroit and the Detroit Fire Department.” The fire’s impact has been magnified by its timing, occurring just 11 days before Christmas.
Firefighters battled the blaze under challenging conditions, with temperatures plunging and one nearby hydrant found frozen and inoperable. “One of the hydrants on the corner was out of service, frozen,” Spitzig confirmed. Fortunately, this did not hinder the firefighting efforts.
The mother remains in serious condition, while the 4-year-old boy is recovering from smoke inhalation and is expected to be fine. Thankfully, no firefighters sustained injuries during the operation.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by both the Detroit Fire Investigation Division and the Detroit Police Department. As the community grapples with this tragedy, many are left to reflect on the profound loss and the innocence of a young life taken too soon.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. As this situation develops, the Detroit community mourns the heartbreaking loss of a child and rallies support for the affected family during this incredibly difficult time.
