by Dallas, Texas — One person was found dead days after a destructive apartment fire in northeast Dallas that injured two residents and left dozens without homes, according to city officials.
The discovery was made after family members requested a welfare check, revealing that the victim had lived alone and was not initially reported missing when the fire broke out.
Body discovered days after overnight fire
According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, the fire was reported around 1:50 a.m. Sunday, December 28, at the Whitehurst Apartments in the 9900 block of Whitehurst Drive.
Crews returned to the complex on December 31 after relatives asked for a welfare check on a resident who lived alone. During that check, firefighters discovered one deceased person inside the building. Officials said the victim’s identity has not yet been released.
Heavy flames and reports of trapped residents
Firefighters arriving at the scene early Sunday encountered heavy fire conditions coming from a three-story apartment building, officials said. Initial reports indicated that multiple residents could be trapped inside.
Jennifer Villatoro, who lives next door to the complex, described the chaos as the fire spread.
“All the neighbors were kind of running and they were screaming saying there’s people stuck on the third floor,” Villatoro said.
Firefighters perform multiple rescues
Dallas Fire-Rescue crews immediately launched search and rescue operations while also working to contain the flames. Officials said firefighters successfully carried out five rescues during the incident.
As the fire intensified, commanders requested a second alarm, and crews were eventually ordered to exit the structure so firefighters could shift to defensive firefighting operations, officials said.
The blaze was fully extinguished at approximately 4:35 a.m.
Two residents injured, entire building uninhabitable
Officials confirmed that two residents were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries related to the fire. All 36 units in the apartment building were deemed uninhabitable, forcing residents to evacuate with little notice.
The American Red Cross responded to assist at least 20 displaced residents, helping them find temporary housing and essential resources.
Fire believed to be accidental
Investigators believe the fire was accidental and originated on a first-floor balcony, where flammable items were left too close to a heat source, according to officials.
The investigation into the exact circumstances of the fire remains ongoing.
Read Also: Elderly Man Dies After Being Struck by Car Driven by Teen in Manchester
Community grapples with aftermath
The delayed discovery of the victim has added another layer of grief to an already devastating incident for residents of the complex. Officials said the victim’s family has been notified, and further details will be released when appropriate.
Dallas Fire-Rescue urged residents to take fire safety seriously, especially when storing flammable materials on balconies or near heat sources.
Have you or someone you know been affected by an apartment fire? Share your thoughts or safety tips in the comments and join the conversation on preventing similar tragedies.
