Massive blaze in South Park area: What people are saying about Charlotte fire
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SouthPark Fire
On May 18, 2023, a five-alarm fire broke out at a construction site in SouthPark. Two men died as a result of the blaze.
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Charlotte residents are mourning after a massive fire in South Park left two people dead as fire officials continue to investigate the blaze.
Demonte Tyree Sherrill and Rueben Holmes died in the apartment construction fire Thursday, according to their supervisor, The Charlotte Observer reported. They worked for KS Windows and Doors of Atlanta.
Heavy flames and black smoke filled the area around 9 a.m. Thursday near the South Park Business Park towers close to Fairview Road and Piedmont Row Drive.
More than 90 firefighters worked together to put out the fire at the construction site along the 7700 block of Liberty Row Drive. Emergency scanner traffic reported at least one other structure fire near the original blaze and several other fire alarms in the area.
Police and fire departments from Charlotte and other jurisdictions also responded.
Several roads closed and officials said to use different routes to avoid the South Park area. Officials are also urged residents not to call 911 unless for an emergency.
According to WSOC-TV, one construction worker appeared to be stuck at the top of a crane that was over the apartment building when Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene. First responders rescued the person on the crane, according to emergency scanner traffic and witness accounts.
In total, 15 workers had to be rescued from the building and firefighters issued two mayday calls for help. Thursday evening, fire officials said they couldn’t confirm any casualties.
At least one person was hurt, with what Medic described as “life-threatening injuries.”
At this time, it’s unclear what caused the fire.
Do you have any photos or video to share? Did you see the fire? Submit photos or information for publication using this form or email news@charlotteobserver.com.
This story was originally published May 18, 2023 at 12:08 PM with the headline "Massive blaze in South Park area: What people are saying about Charlotte fire."
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