A devastating fire early Thursday morning has left a Carmi family without a home and sent three people to area hospitals, including two women who were airlifted with serious injuries.
Emergency crews were dispatched just after 6 a.m. to a house fire at 801 South Summit Street. When firefighters arrived, all six occupants of the single-story home had made it out, according to Carmi Fire Chief Daniel Ballard, with some already being treated by ambulance personnel.
White County Ambulance Director Adam Allen confirmed that two teenagers were uninjured, and an adult male declined medical treatment. However, two adult women were life flighted to a St. Louis hospital with serious injuries, and a 34-year-old woman was transported by ground ambulance to a nearby hospital.
Due to the number of victims, two AirEvac helicopters were dispatched to the scene. Ambulances from Carmi, Fairfield, and McLeansboro also responded. Firefighters from Carmi, Crossville, Enfield, and Norris City worked together to extinguish the blaze. Crews cleared the scene around 9:15 a.m.
The home was declared a total loss, with all belongings destroyed. The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.
As the family begins the long process of recovery, the community is stepping up to help. Teresa Holland, a relative, is collecting donations of household items, hygiene products, bedding, and clothing at 204 Slocumb Street in Carmi.
Clothing Needs:
Women’s 2XL shirts, size 16/18 pants, size 10 shoes
Women’s Large/XL shirts, Large pants, size 8 shoes
Women’s Medium shirts, Medium pants, size 8.5 shoes
Women’s maternity (29 weeks pregnant): Large tops/pants, size 9 shoes
Men’s Medium shirts, Medium pants, size 11 shoes
Men’s Medium/Large shirts, Large pants, size 11 shoes
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