2 Firefighters Rescued After Roof Collapse: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

UPDATE: According to NBC, a third firefighter was picked up by ambulance at the scene, but no details were available regarding his injuries.

Following the roof collapse of a historic South Los Angeles church, firefighters saved their 2 colleagues who were ensnared in the rubble. Here’s 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know.

1. One of the firefighters was hospitalized, another was treated at the scene

Capt. James Moore reported that the firefighters were on the second floor of the building when the roof collapsed.
Fortunately, a “rapid intervention team” immediately entered the structure. One firefighter left the scene via gurney and ambulance, while the other was treated on site. However, both of the men were talking after their rescue from the dilapidated church, according to LAFD Chief Brian Cummings.

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2. There are no other reports of injuries

According to NBC, there were no other injuries.
LAFD Chief Brian Cummings said more cautiously “we can never be absolutely certain until the fire is out, but our belief is that the building was vacant at the time.”

3. There were over 100 firefighters at the location when the Church collapsed

According to CBS, the firefighters were performing an “interior attack.” LAFD Captain Laurie Stolp said “[the two firefighters] heard a big loud crack and the roof caved in and he ended up on the first floor,” regarding the firefighter who was taken away via gurney and then ambulance.

They heard a big loud crack and the roof caved in and he ended up on the first floor, just surrounded in debris,” Battalion Capt. Laurie Stolp said.

4. The Church was the Crouch Memorial Pentecostal Church in Christ

It was formerly known as the “Beth Eden Baptist Temple” and is located at 27th and Paloma street.

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5. A cause has not been determined

LAFD has a specific crew for dealing with church fires called the House of Worship Arson Task Force that will examine the situation to discern causes of the event.

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