Portsmouth, Virginia – Tragedy struck a Portsmouth neighborhood as a woman lost her life in a devastating fire that engulfed a duplex, trapping several residents on Friday night. The incident unfolded before 9:45 p.m. at a single-story duplex on Neville Street, between Manteo and Shelby streets. Portsmouth Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (PFRES) rushed to the scene upon receiving reports of people trapped inside the burning building.
Neighbors recounted the heroic efforts of the mother who valiantly tried to save her newborn baby and two other children. Despite managing to get the baby out safely through a window, the mother and two children remained trapped inside. Two other adults were able to escape through the same window, but the situation was dire for the others still inside.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and administered advanced life support treatment to rescue the trapped children, who are currently in critical condition. All six residents, including three adults and three children, were swiftly transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The heart-wrenching incident has left the community in shock and mourning, with neighbors describing the emotional toll of witnessing the tragedy unfold. The responding fire crews and paramedics are being hailed for their heroic efforts during the distressing rescue operation.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities have indicated that arson is unlikely. The possibility of an unsafe stove being a contributing factor was raised by a neighbor who mentioned the mother’s concerns over the years, although this has yet to be confirmed by the Portsmouth Fire Marshal’s Office. The ongoing investigation continues to uncover details surrounding the tragic event that left the duplex severely damaged and rendered unlivable.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire, the Red Cross has stepped in to provide assistance to the impacted residents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fire and the importance of fire safety measures in every household to prevent such devastating losses in the future.