GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — Four people were pulled from a burning home in Galveston early Thursday morning, and one of them died, according to family. Two firefighters were also injured.
Family at the scene told ABC13 55-year-old mother Renita Hawthorne was pronounced dead at the hospital. Her 58-year-old boyfriend and one of her teenage daughters are in the ICU, and another teenage daughter has since been released from the hospital.
The fire started at the home on 39th Street near Avenue H just before 1 a.m.
Video from the scene shows heavy damage to the home.
“Also a third coming out the same window,” firefighters were heard reporting on radio traffic during the rescue.
According to the Galveston Fire Department battalion chief, firefighters found three people in the back corner of the home. When they went back in to search, they found a fourth person.
“Certainly before arrival, dispatch came back and stated that there may be some possibly trapped victims. Upon arrival, we found some victims in the delta corner of the house. They threw a ladder. They pulled three of them out,” Battalion Chief Tim Johnson said.
Galveston Fire Chief Charlie Olsen said one firefighter was taken to the hospital with a “twisted knee” and has since been released. The other firefighter was admitted to the hospital, though the extent of his injuries is unknown.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the fire marshal’s office.
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