A fire in a 21-story residential building in Berlin-Friedrichsfelde on Wednesday evening resulted in the death of an infant. Police reported on Thursday that a 26-year-old mother and her two children were found unconscious on the building’s hallway by first responders. Despite resuscitation efforts, the nine-month-old baby died. The mother and her five-year-old brother remain in critical condition.
Rauch breitet sich im gesamten Gebäude aus
The fire broke out shortly before 8 p.m. On Wednesday in an apartment on the third floor of the building located on Dolgenseestraße in the Lichtenberg district. According to police, a building porter heard a triggered fire alarm in an apartment and saw heavy smoke around 8 p.m. The fire reportedly spread quickly because the apartment was cluttered with numerous items. When emergency services arrived, the apartment was already fully ablaze, with flames shooting from the windows. Smoke spread throughout the building. Feuerwehrsprecher Gordian Scholz told rbb that the heavy smoke was particularly problematic, stating, “The smoke had spread throughout the stairwell.”
Some residents were able to evacuate the building on their own, while others called emergency services or signaled for help from the windows. Fire crews brought those residents out through the stairwell. A total of 40 residents were treated on-site by police. The 21-story building was evacuated during the firefighting operation.
Bezirk bemueht sich um Unterkuenfte
Many residents had to find alternative accommodation after the fire, as heating or water were unavailable, or apartments were smoke-damaged. Those who could not stay with friends were able to sleep in a nearby gymnasium. The district is attempting to organize alternative apartments and hotels, officials said.
Howoge, a state-owned housing company, reported on Thursday that 21 apartments remain sealed off by police. The conditions in the building are still being investigated. Electricity has been restored, but some of the heating systems are currently switched off. The elevator is also out of service.
Police are investigating the cause of the fire. According to current information, the building is not at risk of collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Berlin on Wednesday evening?
A fire broke out in a 21-story building in Berlin-Friedrichsfelde, resulting in one infant fatality and multiple injuries.
How many people were treated at the scene?
A total of 40 residents were treated on-site by police.
What is the current status of the affected building?
The building was evacuated during the firefighting operation and 21 apartments remain sealed off by police. Electricity has been restored, but some heating systems are not functioning, and the elevator is out of service.
As investigations continue and residents seek accommodation, the full extent of the impact of this fire on the community remains to be seen.
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