Woman dead, dozens rescued in Monday morning apartment fire on Indy's north side
Update: The cause of the fire was declared undetermined, according to information released by the Indianapolis Fire Department on Sept. 21, 2023. This story was also updated on April 24, 2023, with additional information about the deceased.
One woman was found dead and dozens of residents were rescued from an early morning apartment fire on the north side of Indianapolis early Monday, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department.
The woman killed was identified as Shatoria Denise Lunsford, 32, according to the Marion County Coroner's Office.
Nine other people were transported to hospitals, including four children and one adult in serious condition. Two Pike Township Fire Department firefighters suffered minor injuries at the scene in the 5400 block of Michigan Road.
Some residents of the three-story apartment building could not evacuate through the structure and jumped from balconies. There was a delay in attacking the blaze due to the number of residents who needed rescue from all sides of the building, according to the fire department.
At least 30 people were rescued down ground ladders at 5458 Michigan Rd. by first arriving #IFD crews w/ others jumping from 2nd & 3rd story balconies. 1 adult female was located inside the building & sadly sustained fatal injuries. Attack was delayed due to the # of rescues. pic.twitter.com/S4Q4xWLZOt
— Indianapolis Fire Department 🚒 (@IFD_NEWS) April 17, 2023
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Multiple people called to report the fire and firefighters were dispatched around 4:45 a.m. They found heavy fire and smoke upon arrival.
All residents of the 44-unit building were displaced, at least temporarily, as utilities were shut off. An IndyGo bus arrived to provide warmth for the displaced residents, according to the fire department.
The cause of the fire is under investigation still, but investigators believe it started on the first floor then quickly reached the second and third floors. It filled the entire structure with black smoke, blocking building exits for many residents.
Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis apartment fire kills woman, dozens others rescued
