Update, 8:20 p.m. Eastern: According to a report from Jake Homan on Twitter, James Muller, a 25-year-old Irmo firefighter, has died after being transported to the hospital. Seven firefighters in total were injured, and 19 people displaced.
The firefighter reportedly died from injuries sustained on the fireground, according to an update from the department. Five of the injured members are from the Columbia-Richland Fire Department, and two from the Irmo Fire District. Two tenants of the apartments were also transported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, on Friday, May 26, 2023, as part of an automatic aid response with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department, Irmo Fire District firefighters responded to an apartment building fire. While fighting the fire, a structural collapse occurred, and firefighters called Maydays. Five firefighters from the Columbia-Richland Fire Department and another firefighter from the Irmo Fire District were rescued and taken to the hospital.
A short time later, Firefighter Muller was rescued. Emergency responders at the scene immediately began CPR on him and continued life-saving efforts as they transported him to the hospital. Shortly after arrival, however, Firefighter Muller was pronounced deceased from the injuries he sustained in the collapse.
Original story: Firefighters became trapped at an apartment fire Friday afternoon in Columbia, South Carolina, and had to be rescued.
According to WLTRX, the fire occurred at Tropical Ridge Apartments during a multiple-alarm fire in a three-story building.
At least two firefighters became trapped during firefighting operations. One member reportedly managed to make it out.
The remaining firefighter had been pulled out of the building, Chief Aubrey Jenkins told reporters.
There were reportedly multiple other rescues earlier during the incident, as well, WIS10 reported.
