Flames seen from I-20 in fire that led to multiple injuries, SC officials say
Multiple people were injured Saturday when flames tore through a condominium complex in South Carolina, according to the Columbia Fire Department.
At about 2:30 p.m., firefighters responded to the blaze that was ripping through the Briargate Condominiums, a fire department official said on social media. That’s on Menlo Drive in Columbia, near Exit 64 on Interstate 20, which is the junction with Broad River Road.
Flames shooting through the roof of a building could be seen from I-20, according to the Irmo Fire District, which said it sent four units and several resources to assist in battling the two-alarm blaze.
Information about how long it took to extinguish the fire was not available.
Three people were taken to an area hospital after fire ripped through one of the condo buildings, according to the Columbia Fire Department. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries but are expected to be OK, the fire department said. Further information on the victims’ conditions was not available.
A dozen of the building’s 24 units were heavily damaged by fire, smoke and water, according to the fire department. Nine people were displaced by the damage, according to the American Red Cross, which said it’s providing them with financial assistance for immediate needs such as food, clothing and shelter.
Information about the cause of the fire, and where it started, was not available. The blaze will be investigated by the Richland County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Officials did not say if foul play was suspected.
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