A Columbus teenager died from his injuries today after firefighters pulled him from his burning home.
According to Columbus Fire Department Capt. Andy Grant, firefighters were dispatched to the fire at 3:30 a.m. today, at 103 King St., near the intersection of Alabama Street and Highway 69.
The victim”s mother and sister were able to escape the blaze unharmed, Grant said.
“There were three occupants in the brick house. Two of them were able to get out, but the son was not. An effort was made by firefighters to rescue and revive him,” Grant said.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant identified the victim as Damien Harris, 18.
Grant said Harris was pulled out of the home by firefighters, but died from burns and smoke inhalation on the way to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle. He was pronounced dead at 4:43 a.m. at the hospital, Columbus Police Department Public Information Officer Terrie Songer said.
Firefighters remained at the scene this morning to put out hot spots and to begin investigating the cause of the fire, Grant said.
“We are waiting for someone from the state Fire Marshal”s office to come in and assist with the investigation,” he said.
Later this morning, at around 9:30, Columbus firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at the corner of 22nd Street North and Ninth Avenue North. No one was home at the time of the fire, which was confined to the home”s laundry room. Firefighters estinguished the fire in around 15 minutes.
Allen Baswell was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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Firefighters extinguish a blaze at 22nd Street North this morning. Photo by: Kelly Tippett
