Woman dead, man critical following East Chicago fire

Cause of the early morning apartment blaze unknown

A 60-year-old woman died and a man was in critical condition Saturday following an early morning fire at an East Chicago apartment building.

The victims, who have not been identified, lived together on the second floor and were unconscious on the ground when firefighters arrived at the 1120 W. 145th St. building about 7 a.m. Saturday, East Chicago Fire Chief Anthony Serna.

The woman later died at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, and the 55year-old man was critical, Serna said

A police officer suffered smoke inhalation and was treated and released from the hospital, he said.

Firefighters arrived to find the building engulfed in smoke and flames.

“We went into rescue mode,” Serna said. “East Chicago police were already on the scene evacuating residents.”

Five people were rescued, including one who had to be removed via ladder, he said.

Backup help was provided by neighboring Gary, Hammond and Whiting fire departments.

“The building is a total loss,” Serna said, leaving about 20 people displaced. The American Red Cross was offering assistance.

Neighboring buildings at 1122 and 1118 W. 145th St. had to be evacuated and sustained minimal damage, he said.

Investigators haven’t pinpointed the cause of the blaze, which began in a first-floor apartment, Serna said. Representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the state fire marshal’s office were on the scene, he said.