Authorities are investigating a house fire that broke out in the Valley Run Townhouse community in Claymont on Friday.
The incident occurred just before 7:00 this morning, with the Claymont Fire Company responding to emergency calls reporting smoke and flames coming from a second-floor unit of an occupied townhouse.
Reports indicated that several individuals were trapped inside a bedroom on the second floor. Upon arrival, firefighters reported smoke showing from the home. Firefighters were successful in evacuating three residents from the premises, who were then immediately attended to by emergency medical services.
The investigation into this serious incident is being led by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office, under the guidance of Chief Deputy Robert Fox. Investigators were dispatched to the scene to begin their inquiry into both the origin and cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.
Fox stated that the fire’s damage was estimated at $50,000. In addition to the property damage, the human toll was considerable, with three individuals receiving treatment for smoke inhalation and burns at the scene. These victims were transported to Christiana Hospital in serious condition, with one of them requiring airlift support from Delaware State Police Aviation. Two of the victims were later transferred to the Crozer Chester Burn Center to receive specialized treatment for their injuries.