Local Apartment Fire Claims Two Lives and Hospitalizes More in Berkeley County, South Carolina
Early in the morning, a devastating fire broke out in an apartment in Berkeley County, South Carolina. By the time firefighters could douse the flames, it was too late for two of the residents. According to the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office, Kenia Stefany Lazo Castro, 24, and Milthon M. Lazo Ordonez, 35, were found deceased inside their home at Pine Shadow Drive.
Emergency Response and the Scene Left Behind
The local emergency services were alerted to the situation by a vigilant neighbor who reported a significant amount of smoke emerging from the nearby residence. Despite the swift response, the coroner’s office noted that details relating to the extent of the damages or whether the residential property is a complete loss were not immediately available.
While there were indications that four people lived on the premises, it wasn’t confirmed if all of them were present during the blaze. However, it was reported that two individuals, presumably the other occupants of the residence, managed to escape the incident and were immediately transported to a nearby hospital.
Uncertainties and Ongoing Investigations
Currently, the causes and exact circumstances surrounding the deaths of Lazo Castro and Lazo Ordonez remain unclear. It has been stated that an autopsy will be performed, hoping to shed light on the unfortunate event. Foul play has not been ruled out, but at this stage, it also remains a speculative cause.
The case has drawn the attention of several regional law enforcement agencies, including the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the State Fire Marshal, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Fire Unit, and, of course, the local coroner’s office, who are all diligently working together to uncover the truth about the tragic event.
Emergency services that responded to the early-morning crisis included the Goose Creek Rural Fire Department, Hanahan Fire Department, Joint Base Charleston Fire Department, Berkeley County Emergency Medical Service, Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department, and Berkeley County Emergency Management.
A Community Waits for Answers
So far, no information regarding the origin of the fire or whether it was a result of an accident or an intentional act has been released. The information relating to the current conditions of the surviving victims who escaped the blaze and were hospitalized is also still unavailable, leaving many unanswered questions and a community keen for more information and resolution.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and the facts are being meticulously examined to provide the most accurate sequence of events. As the situation develops and more information comes to light, it is hoped that clarity on the tragic incident will soon be provided so the affected families and the community can start to find closure.
