Teen girl killed, brother fights to survive after rescue from fire in Cortlandt Manor
“Extremely critical with CPR being administered,” said Mohegan Lake Fire Chief Thomas Eade.
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A teenage girl has died and her brother is fighting for his life after a devastating house fire in Cortlandt Manor.
Crews were called to a home on Sherwood Road just after 2:30 a.m. for a structure fire with people trapped inside.
Firefighters arrived to find flames venting from the front of the home, making entry through the front door impossible.
Full interview with Fire Chief Thomas Eade from 6 a.m.
With reports of children inside, crews raised ladders and entered through second-floor windows to reach victims.
Two teenagers were pulled from the home pulseless, and CPR was started immediately at the scene.
"Two teenagers… came out in serious condition with CPR being administered immediately," said Fire Chief Thomas Eade.
Officials say both suffered severe burns covering about 40 to 50 percent of their bodies.
Authorities say the 15-year-old girl has since died from her injuries.
Her 17-year-old brother has been stabilized enough to be transferred to Westchester Medical Center, where he continues to fight for his life.
Two other people, believed to be the teens' mother and another sibling, were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The family dog died in the fire.
Firefighters say the rescue effort was especially challenging, as crews had to perform life-saving care while also battling the flames.
"You have to focus on patient care… with cardiac arrest… while still trying to have the firefight in the background," Eade said.
A firefighter was also treated for exhaustion following the intense response.
Officials praised the crews' actions, calling them heroic under extremely dangerous conditions.
The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical but remains under investigation.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins released a statement saying:
“On behalf of Westchester County, I want to express our profound sorrow and deepest condolences to the Toone family and all those impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy in Cortlandt Manor.
This loss hits especially close to home for the County family, as the father of the children involved is one of our own, Westchester County Correction Officer Gregory Toone. Our hearts are with Officer Toone, his family, loved ones and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. We are also praying for the recovery of the surviving victims and for strength for the entire family in the difficult days ahead.
We are deeply grateful to the firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers and medical teams who responded with extraordinary courage under devastating circumstances.
There are simply no words that can ease the pain of losing a child. Westchester County stands united in support of the Toone family and the Cortlandt community during this incredibly painful time.”
According to Superintendent Jeremy Luft with the Putnam Valley School District, the house fire involved one of the district’s families. In a statement, Luft said, in part: "The district immediately brought out its crisis response teams to prepare for and support any student or staff needs that may arise throughout the day... thoughts are with the family impacted by this tragic event, as well as with the brave emergency responders who responded to the scene.
