A devastating house fire in Mill Creek left a grandfather in critical condition and his young grandson hospitalized Thursday morning, as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze.
Fire Breaks Out in Dunlinden Acres Neighborhood
The fire erupted around 9 a.m. at a home located at the intersection of Hutchison Road and Evelyn Drive in the Dunlinden Acres neighborhood.
Firefighters arriving at the scene encountered intense flames and heavy smoke on the first floor, making entry through the front door difficult and slowing rescue efforts.
Grandfather Rescued From Burning Home
According to officials, a 79-year-old grandfather was trapped inside the house as conditions worsened.
Emergency crews were forced to adjust their approach due to the dangerous environment and ultimately rescued him through the back of the home. He suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation and was rushed to Christiana Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
10-Year-Old Grandson Alerts Firefighters
The man’s 10-year-old grandson was found outside on the front steps when crews arrived, already affected by smoke inhalation.
Despite his condition, the child was able to alert firefighters that his grandfather was still inside, helping guide the rescue effort. He was transported to the hospital and is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Family Dog Dies, Investigation Underway
Officials confirmed that four people live in the home, but only the grandfather and grandson were present at the time of the fire.
Tragically, the family dog did not survive the incident.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has launched an investigation to determine what caused the fire. Neighbors indicated that the home had recently been undergoing renovations, though it’s unclear if that played any role.