At a Glance
- One person killed and seven injured in Upper Darby apartment fire.
- Fire started on second floor, spread to all three floors.
- Around 75 residents displaced; Salvation Army aiding.
Why it matters: The blaze highlights fire safety risks in multi-unit buildings and the community’s need for emergency response resources.
A second-alarm blaze erupted just before 11 a.m. Saturday in an apartment building on Township Line Road in Upper Darby’s Drexel Hill neighborhood, leaving one dead, seven injured, and dozens displaced.
Fire Details
Firefighters reached the 3200 block of Township Line Road to find a blaze that had already engulfed the second floor. The fire spread to the third floor, causing smoke damage, and to the first floor, where water damage was reported.
- Second floor: active fire
- Third floor: smoke damage
- First floor: water damage
Rescue and Injuries
A firefighter sustained burn injuries but was taken to the hospital and later released, expected to recover. Seven residents suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while one remains in critical condition.
*Raymond Erwin* said:
> We were desperately trying to escape from the second floor, but couldn’t see through the thick smoke. We closed the door and went to the deck, waiting for extraction. I’m still trying to process it-this is very scary.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Community Impact
Around 75 people were displaced by the fire. The Salvation Army is helping residents find temporary shelter.
Key Takeaways
- One fatality and seven injuries from a second-alarm blaze.
- All three floors damaged: smoke on third, water on first.
- 75 residents displaced; emergency aid underway.
The investigation into the fire’s cause continues as officials work to assess the damage and support affected residents.
