Four Hurt in Pa. High-Rise for Seniors, Disabled

Four people were taken to hospitals after fire broke out in an apartment at the Brackenridge Hall high-rise for senior and disabled residents.

The man who lived in the third-floor apartment where the fire started suffered burns and was taken to UPMC-Mercy's burn unit in Pittsburgh.

The others were taken to Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison for smoke inhalation and injuries that were aggravated during the evacuation process, said Pioneer Hose Fire Co. Chief Rick Jones.

Authorities aren't releasing the names of the victims.

Jones said the fire likely was caused by the tenant of apartment 304 smoking in bed. The man had oxygen tanks in his apartment that he uses for a medical condition.

The fire started at about 4:30 a.m. Residents were allowed back in their apartments by 7 a.m., Jones said.

“The police did a great job, they had the fire mostly out and the building evacuation underway by the time we got there,” he said.

The fire was contained to the apartment where it started, but it and the one below it sustained water damage. Others were damaged by smoke.

Housing Authority Executive Director Frank Aggazio said damage is estimated at $50,000.

The tenant in 304 faces eviction, he said.

“There would be a recommendation and a committee reviews those each month,” Aggazio said. “We look at the evidence like if the person is a danger to others.”

Jodi Weigand is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-226-4702 or [email protected].

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©2014 The Valley News-Dispatch (Tarentum, Pa.)

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