Local News
Victims killed in Birmingham house fire identified
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A devastating early-morning house fire in west Birmingham claimed the lives of three family members, including an 18-year-old high school senior, authorities confirmed.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 49-year-old Edward Hicks III, his 48-year-old wife Farintina Pleshette Hicks, and their daughter, 18-year-old Laila Nicole Hicks.
All three were residents of Birmingham.
According to the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS), crews were dispatched at approximately 2:00 a.m. Wednesday to a one-story brick home in the 6600 block of Avenue K in the city’s Green Acres community.
The fire was first reported by a neighbor who called 911 after noticing flames.
BFRS Lt. Catina Williams stated that firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence.
Despite emergency response efforts, all three occupants were critically injured and transported to UAB Hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.
Officials noted that there were no working smoke detectors inside the home, a factor that may have impacted the family’s ability to escape the rapidly spreading fire.
The loss has deeply affected the local community, particularly within Birmingham City Schools. Laila Hicks was a senior at Ramsay IB High School. In a statement, the school district expressed its condolences:
“Birmingham City Schools is deeply saddened by the passing of Laila Hicks, an 18-year-old student at Ramsay IB High School.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Grief counseling is available for students and staff at Ramsay IB High School.”
Authorities confirmed that the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office is actively investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
Additionally, the Birmingham Police Department is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
No further details have been released as the investigations remain ongoing.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.