Local News
Firefighters recovered two bodies from rubble of the house fire on Keswick Road in Baltimore
A major fire broke out early Tuesday morning in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore, destroying multiple rowhouses.
The fire, which was initially classified as a three-alarm fire but was later upgraded to a five-alarm emergency, spread rapidly from the original structure to a dozen adjacent homes.
Baltimore City Fire Department units responded to the scene at around 6 a.m., arriving at the 3400 block of Keswick Road.
Family members reported that two individuals were missing from the house where the fire originated, prompting a search effort. One person was transported to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Tragically, the bodies of two victims have been recovered from the rubble of the fire at 3640 Keswick Road.
Fire Chief James Wallace confirmed that there were no firefighter injuries but expressed concerns about the structural integrity of the original fire building, which was at risk of a second collapse.
Heavy equipment was being used cautiously to conduct thorough searches for the missing individuals.
The fire caused significant damage to the affected homes, with two structures collapsing and up to 10 others being impacted. The strong smell of smoke lingered in the area for hours after the fire was extinguished. Residents were actively assisting displaced families.
Emergency crews remain on the scene, continuing to extinguish the fire and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.
Further details regarding the victims and the circumstances surrounding the fire will be released as they become available.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. โ Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.