The rescue of 13 people, including a one-year-old boy, following a suspected arson attack on a block of flats in the Carnhill area of Derry this morning was a “complex operation,” a local fire chief has said.
Richard Meenan outside the flat ffrom which he, his partner and infant son were rescued by firefighters.
The blaze broke out in the communal stairwell in the block of six flats just before 6.30am. Four fire appliances from Northland Road and Crescent Link attended the scene.
Richard Meenan, his partner Michelle and their one-year-old son James and another resident, Laurence Cook, were rescued by firefighters through the windows of their first floor flats.
Five residents were assisted down through the stairs by firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, while another four “rescued themselves,” said Trevor Ferguson, area commander, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
All had become trapped after thick black smoke from a burning large rug made the communal stairwell impassable.
Commander Ferguson added: “This was a complex operation. It’s not confirmed, but the fire could have been deliberate.”
No one was injured in the incident but Richard Meenan was taken to hospital for treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Speaking to the Derry Daily after being discharged, he said he feared for their lives as they waited the arrival of firefighters with wet towels over their mouths after smoke began seeping under the door into their first floor flat.
Firefighters have been praised for their quick response to the incident.
Sinn Fein Cllr Tony Hassan said: “I would like to commend the quick response from the Fire Service in helping save the lives of the residents.”
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