UPDATE: Four-year-old Martin Pletz was killed in a house fire as he hid behind a dresser Wednesday afternoon, according to neighbors. Heat, smoke and flames kept bystanders and the boy’s mother from entering the burning home. Seven people were displaced because of the house fire.
Elk Grove Village police, Wood Dale police and Bensenville firefighter/paramedics responded first on the scene about 2:04 PM Wednesday to a report of a house fire in the block of 1525 West Devon Avenue, Bensenville, IL. Elk Grove Village police first on the scene reported that the house fire was fully-involved and that people on the scene reported that an infant was still trapped in the back of the house.
Firefighters were able to start an interior offensive attack at about 2:17 p.m. One victim with smoke inhalation escaped to shelter at the FedEx building across the street at 1200 East Devon Avenue, Elk Grove Village. Firefighter/paramedics from Elk Grove Village responded to treat and transport that victim.
#Bensenville, IL: Illinois State Fire Marshall is on the scene of a house #fire that has left a 1-year-old #dead. pic.twitter.com/c8GKGROSZl
— Captured News (@CapturedNews) July 23, 2014
As of late Wednesday there was no confirmation from fire officials about the identity of the child in the house.
The State of Illinois Fire Marshal was called to the scene.
Firefigher/paramedics from Berkeley, Franklin Park, Leyden Township, Northlake, Stone Park and other area fire departments assisted Bensenville Fire Department.
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