Three Baltimore firefighters are dead and another is clinging to life after part of a burning building collapsed while they were inside.
The tragic incident happened Monday morning as fire crews were working to extinguish a blaze at a vacant, three-story rowhouse on the west side of the city.
Four firefighters were inside the building when it partially collapsed, trapping them inside. One of the firefighters was pulled out immediately, according to Fire Chief Niles Ford, and two others were trapped for about an hour before being rescued. The three injured firefighters were transported to the hospital, but two of them died.
Crews worked to rescue the fourth firefighter, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mayor Brandon Scott called it a "gut-wrenching tragedy for the city, the Baltimore Fire Department, and most importantly the families of our firefighters.
Authorities identified the victims who died as Lt. Paul Butrim, Firefighter/Paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/Firefighter Kenny Lacayo.
A fourth EMT/Firefighter, John McMaster, remains at the hospital in critical but stable condition.
"There are no words to describe the pain and the severity of the losses we have suffered," Scott said in a statement. "My heart is with the Firefighters, their families, and the entire Baltimore City Fire Department who put the lives and safety of others before their own wellbeing each and every day. I ask that all of Baltimore keep them in our prayers during this extremely difficult time."
Two of the firefighters killed, Butrim and Sadler, had been with the department for 15 years. Butrim was also the recipient of a Valor Award in 2015 by Firehouse Magazine for rescuing an unconscious child trapped in a house fire. Lacayo had been with the department for seven years.
"Every day our Firefighters, our first responders put their lives on the line for the sake of others," Ford said in a statement. "From this moment, we will honor those we lost today, for their bravery, their courage, their love for helping others and the respect they had for the Baltimore City Fire Department."
Governor Larry Hogan ordered flags lowered to half staff in honor of the "fallen heroes."
"Each and every day, our firefighters and first responders answer the call and are ready to run into danger—this is our worst nightmare," Hogan said in a statement. "I call on all Marylanders to honor the memories of these brave souls, and pray for their families and fellow firefighters."
Hogan said the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management will continue to provide assistance to the city as it deals with the loss.
A cause of the fire has not yet been determined. An investigation is ongoing.
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