CHICAGO — A horrific fire that tore through a three-story apartment building in the Austin neighborhood early Thursday morning killed four people, including a 5-year-old boy, a pregnant woman, and a local newspaper editor — with officials now saying the blaze may have been intentionally set using Molotov cocktails during a domestic dispute.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. at a large building in the 5200 block of West North Avenue, engulfing the structure in flames so rapidly that multiple residents had to be rescued from upper floors by ladder. The Chicago Fire Department described the fire’s spread as “extremely rapid,” destroying the rear stairwells and consuming the interior before crews could contain it.
Alderwoman: Attack Stemmed From Domestic Violence
Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) told the Sun-Times that a man allegedly threw two Molotov cocktails into the building — one through the front, and another at the back entrance — following an argument with someone inside the building.
“They had been arguing earlier and, the next thing you know, he was there throwing Molotov cocktails,” Mitts said, calling the situation “disturbing and devastating.”
While Chicago police have not publicly confirmed the arson motive, they did say the incident is under active investigation by arson detectives, and no one is yet in custody. The ATF has also joined the probe due to the suspected use of incendiary devices.
Victims Include Pregnant Woman, Journalist
The fire claimed the lives of:
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A 5-year-old boy
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A 31-year-old pregnant woman
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A 76-year-old man
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An unidentified woman (initially missing but later recovered by a K-9 team from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office)
In a statement Friday, Ald. Mitts identified one of the victims as Brad Cummings, an editor at The Voice Newspapers. A 4-year-old boy was also seriously injured and remains hospitalized at Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released official causes of death or full victim identities.
Dozens of Families Displaced
According to Ald. Mitts, the blaze displaced 27 families, many of whom “lost most, if not all, of their belongings.” Emergency crews and community groups are now working to help those residents find housing and basic necessities.
“This was a tragic and overwhelmingly sad event,” Mitts said. “We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to all affected.”
Were you affected by the Austin apartment fire or want to support victims? Share your story or find ways to help at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
