Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON – A fire early Wednesday injured eight people at a triplex in the 400 Block of west 1st street in Hutchinson.

Hutchinson Fire Chief Kim Forbes says that all eight residents were taken to the hospital. One with critical burns  was eventually transported to Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita.

Two others suffered smoke inhalation, one critically and the other was in serious condition. The others were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Forbes says some of the victims were trapped on the second floor and rescued by firefighters bringing them down ladders.

“When fire starts in these older structures and gets into the walls, it’s like a chimney and the fire will spread quickly,” said Forbes.

Fire investigators are now working with Hutchinson Police and the State Fire Marshals Office to determine the cause. Forbes says the building will be a total loss.

 

The Red Cross has been brought in to assist the families involved.

——-

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Serious injuries are reported from an apartment fire early Wednesday in Hutchinson.

Fire crews were called to the 400 Block of West 1st Street just before 5 a.m. They found the structure fully engulfed in flames.

Officials reported as many as 8 people including a child were transported for treatment. One person was transported to Via Christi St. Francis with critical injuries.

Cause of the fire remains under investigation. The building is considered a total loss.