HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three people were injured, one critically in a structure fire this afternoon in Hutchinson.
According to Fire Chief Kim Forbes, the fire was called in at 2:50 pm at 930 E. Sherman, and when crews arrived, they found the small one-story structure fully involved. The problem became worse when a propane bottle exploded just as crews arrived, accelerating the fire on the front porch and east side of the house. Forbes said it was too early to tell if the propane bottle caused the fire or detonated because of the blaze.
Forbes confirmed that three people were inside the home. According to Forbes, one was in good condition, while a second suffered from smoke inhalation. The most seriously injured wass found in the back of the house and was rescued by fireman. That person had suffered severe burns and at one time went into cardiac arrest. That person was airlifted to a Wichita hospital. One fireman was also injured when he fell while moving the victim from the home to the ambulance. A second fireman was overcome by heat and treated by EMS personnel at the scene.