(Medina City) - Emergency responders say an apparent explosion and fire at a Medina apartment building left an 18-year-old man and his mother dead and his father badly burned after they tried to rescue him.
Fire Chief Bob Painter tells Newsradio WTAM 1100 that the parents went back in to try to save the young man as the building burned early this morning. The parents were critically hurt and were rushed to a hospital. The young man was believed to have died when a wall came down on him.
The explosion and fire severely damaged the multi-unit apartment building, displacing 24 people.
At least 18 residents of the apartment complex are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.
Red Cross spokesman Jim McIntyre said they decided not to open a shelter for this disaster.
McIntrye reports, those left homeless by the explosion and fire are being given vouchers for hotel rooms, food, clothing and other needed items.
He explains that so many residents are displaced because of water damage occurred as firefighters fought the fatal blaze. The cause is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office.
(Photo by Carmen Angelo/WTAM)
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