Pa. Couple Critical After Alerting Others to Fire

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Sept. 20--A couple who helped to alert their neighbors to a fire consuming their Ambridge apartment building were overcome by smoke and in critical condition this afternoon.

Michael and Nadine Lolly were taken to UPMC Mercy after the blaze at Regency Court Apartment Complex at 300 Fourth St. Firefighters who were called there at 12:36 a.m. found heavy, black smoke and residents of the 27-unit building hanging out of their windows, shouting that they were trapped, Ambridge Fire Chief David Drewnowski said. Firefighters used ladders to rescue five people.

Mr. and Mrs. Lolly had gone door to door, telling their neighbors to escape, when they were overcome by smoke. Firefighters found Mr. Lolly, 51, and his wife, 57, in separate units on the fourth floor. Mrs. Lolly was unconscious; her husband yelled to firefighters that she was still inside the building, Chief Drewnowski said.

Twelve people, including three firefighters who suffered heat exhaustion, were hospitalized after the blaze. The Lollys were the only ones who had not been released as of this afternoon, the chief said.

Some of the more than 20 displaced tenants were staying at a hotel, while others found shelter with family. The state fire marshal continues to investigate the cause of the blaze, which likely started in an apartment on the third floor. Chief Drewnowski said investigators believe a woman who lived there without electricity lit a candle or a cigarette that sparked the blaze.

The building is likely salvageable, he said. The unit where the flames started sustained the most damage.

And of the Lollys' rescue efforts, the chief added, "It's amazing how people will help others. There's still good people out there."

Sadie Gurman: [email protected] or 412-263-1878.