The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating last night’s apartment building fire in Claymont, Delaware that critically injured a 77-year-old man, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 11:00 pm, occurred at the Naamans Apartments located at 759 Montclair Drive near Interstate 95. The Claymont Fire Company arrived on the scene with smoke pouring from the ground floor apartment with one occupant trapped inside the apartment. Firefighters entered the burning building and rescued the occupant through a window using a ladder. The victim was rushed to the Christiana Hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. He is listed in critical condition. Three other occupants in the building were treated at the scene and did not require transportation to a medical facility.
State fire investigators are on the scene searching for the origin and cause of this fire. Damage was contained to the apartment where the fire originated said Chionchio. Heavy fire damage was estimated at $100,000. The remaining apartments will be evaluated by property management and tenants will return to those apartments when all clear.