Firefighters rescued a 12-year-old child from a burning home in Kannapolis, North Carolina, on Saturday afternoon, but the young victim later died despite being rushed to a specialized burn center. The Kannapolis Fire Department confirmed the death in a statement released late Saturday night, November 14.
The emergency unfolded at a residence on Polo Avenue around 1 p.m. Fire crews arrived and entered the burning home, where they found the child trapped inside. They managed to bring the young victim out of the residence shortly after arriving.
Given the child’s condition, emergency responders arranged air transport to a regional burn center. The child needed specialized medical attention, and firefighters, medical personnel and hospital staff worked to provide the necessary care.
But the rescue was followed by devastating news. The fire department confirmed that the child had died later that evening from injuries sustained in the blaze.
The incident also left another person injured. That victim remains in the hospital, although officials have not provided further information about their condition.
Fire Chief Tracy Winecoff acknowledged the difficult work carried out by emergency crews during the incident. He extended his thoughts and prayers to the child’s family and loved ones while recognizing the firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel who responded.
The department has not identified the child. Officials said they would not release the victim’s name or other identifying information out of respect for the family during this difficult time.
The cause of the fire also remains unknown as investigators continue their work. The Kannapolis Fire Department has not announced what may have started the blaze or whether any additional findings are expected.