1 Dead, 15 Injured In 'Suspicious' Motel Fire In Wilmington
WILMINGTON (CBSLA.com) — A man was killed and 15 others were injured early Thursday morning in a motel fire in South Los Angeles.
The fire was reported at 3:13 a.m. at the 2-story building at 100 E. C Street in Wilmington, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
"There were people hanging out their windows, jumping out their windows. It was just chaotic, there was nothing we could do but look at people jump for their lives," motel guest Manuel Sanchez said.
The fire, which was deemed suspicious, was knocked down by 4:08 a.m., according to the LAFD.
"There were over 100 firefighters, so we had 16 companies, five command teams, paramedic rescues – so we had a lot of resources we threw on this immediately," LAFD's Ronnie Villanueva said.
An adult male was pronounced dead at the scene. At least 15 others, including 12 who were transported, suffered minor to moderate injuries.
"The injuries were predominately to the lower extremities from jumping from the second story, no burns," the LAFD said.
A total of 29 people occupied the 20 units in the motel. Those who were not injured were being assisted by Councilmember Joe Buscaino and the Red Cross.
An arson team remained on the scene to investigate the cause.
