DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) – An overnight fire in Danville has resulted in one death and three injuries, including an Eastern Illinois University female student, whose identity is currently being withheld. The Danville Fire Department responded to the scene around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday morning, on Fletcher Drive near Fletcher Place, after receiving reports of heavy fire and smoke.
Upon arrival, three victims were found outside the home, with one person unaccounted for inside. Firefighters were informed by the victims that another individual remained inside the structure. Three fire crews attempted to enter the building but were forced to retreat due to intense heat conditions caused by the fire. The firefighters used multiple handlines to get the fire under control.
Once the fire was brought under control, first responders entered the home and located the victim. Tragically, after being brought outside, the victim was determined to be non-viable, and the coroner was called to the scene.
During the search and rescue efforts, firefighters encountered collapsing floors, prompting the deployment of an excavator to safely bring down parts of the building. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the affected family with emergency needs.
The three injured victims were transported to a nearby hospital, and a family pet was also reported to have perished in the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local authorities.