Toddler Killed, Two Hospitalized in Arden Area Fire
A heart-wrenching incident occurred to a young Sacramento family recently. A 3-year-old boy was tragically killed, and his brother and father were injured after a fire consumed their home. The incident happened at a fourplex apartment building in the Arden Arcade area just before 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022.
Details of the Deadly Fire
According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the two young boys, ages 3 and 5, may have been playing with a lighter and accidentally started the blaze. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said the boys were inside the home alone when the fire first broke out. Their father, who was outside of the apartment, saw the flames and rushed inside to pull the 5-year-old out to safety but couldn’t get back in to rescue the 3-year-old.
When firefighters arrived, they spotted heavy flames coming from one of the back units of the apartment and desperately searched for the little boy trapped inside the burning building.
Desperate Cries to Save the Baby
Neighbor Candace Sutton saw the whole tragic accident unfold from her balcony. She said the father was running in and out and yelling to the fire crew that his baby was still inside. Sutton said she saw firefighters go into the apartment but didn’t see anyone come back out with the baby.
Another neighbor who lives in the next building has a son the same age as the two boys. He said his son was very worried about his friends and kept asking, “how is my friend? Is he okay?”
Firefighters eventually located the little boy and transported both children and their father to UC Davis Medical Center. Sadly, Sacramento County sheriff’s officials confirmed the 3-year-old passed away.
Investigators stayed at the accident scene into the evening to determine if any criminal neglect component was involved. Authorities said not all four building units were impacted by the flames. However, the American Red Cross is working to find housing for the 12 people who were displaced by the fire.
The Dangers of Fires
There is little time to escape when a fire occurs. Hot flames can spread quickly, sometimes doubling their size in seconds. A fire can rage out of control and fill the entire area with thick, black and toxic smoke in less than 30 seconds. It is essential to get out as soon as a fire is discovered.
How a Skilled Burn Injury Attorney Can Help You
If you have lost a loved one or your home in a fire, you may feel completely overwhelmed with grief. In addition, you may face significant issues such as lost income, loss of companionship, household services, and more.
After such a devastating loss, it’s important to have financial security and peace of mind. A skilled and compassionate lawyer will help you understand what compensation your family can receive from a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Your chances of claiming fair compensation for your losses would depend on the types of evidence that exist. It is essential to consult with an experienced burn injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. The attorney will look at the fire report to determine whether another person’s negligence contributed to the accident.
Contact Our Burn Injury Lawyer in Sacramento, CA
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento burn injury attorney. Suffering severe burn injuries or losing a loved one in a tragic fire accident is the worst thing any family can experience. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys are here to help you and your family get the compensation you need to move forward. Call our Sacramento law firm today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
Our skilled legal team at AutoAccident.com has successfully represented many personal injury cases, including burn injuries, since 1982. To learn how we have helped our past clients see our history of settlements and verdicts.
Images from Pixabay by mskathrynne
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