Woman rescued from burning apartment in Nettle Bay – StMaartenNews.com – News Views Reviews

MARIGOT — A 21-year-old woman was rescued from a burning apartment in the Les Marines residence in Nettle Bay on Monday afternoon after becoming trapped inside her smoke-filled duplex unit.

Emergency services from the La Savane fire station were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:56 p.m. following reports of an apartment fire with a person in need of rescue.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the woman trapped on the third floor of the residential complex. The lower level of the duplex was engulfed in flames in the living room area and heavily filled with smoke, while smoke had also spread to the upstairs bedroom where the victim had sought refuge.

Before emergency crews arrived, a 17-year-old bystander attempted to assist. The teenager climbed onto the roof of the building in an effort to gain access to the apartment. At the same time, two other individuals brought in an aerial lift and attempted to position it to facilitate the woman’s evacuation.

Firefighters quickly utilized the lift to reach and safely rescue the woman. The 17-year-old, who had suffered smoke inhalation and injured his arm while trying to force open the apartment door, was also brought to safety.

Fire crews subsequently gained access to the apartment and deployed a hose line to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighboring units.

The apartment was completely destroyed by fire and smoke damage.

A total of 11 firefighters responded to the incident, supported by a fire engine, ambulance, aerial ladder truck, water tanker and command vehicle.

Both the 21-year-old woman and the 17-year-old rescuer were transported to the hospital for treatment. A household pet that was also affected by the fire and suffered from smoke inhalation received assistance as well.

Fire officials credited the coordinated efforts of emergency responders and the actions of civilians at the scene for contributing to the successful rescue operation.

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