Local News
Multiple people killed in Carroll County house fire
Carrollton, KY – The Carroll County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims of a devastating house fire that occurred on October 17th in Carrollton, Kentucky.
Jessica Sellers, 42, her daughter Emilee Boswell, 25, her son Coleton Sellers, 18, and her 10-year-old son Deacon Sellers perished in the fire.
Carrollton Police Department responded to a report of a house fire at a residence on 5th Street around 6:00 AM. Officers arrived within minutes but were unable to enter the fully engulfed house due to the intense heat.
A 3-year-old child was rescued from the scene and transported to a local hospital, where she later received further medical attention in Louisville. Her condition is reported to be improving.
After multiple days of efforts, authorities were able to recover the bodies of the four family members who lost their lives in the fire. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the surviving family members.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the small community of Carrollton, with a population of less than 4,000. Dave Roberts, a Carrollton Police Department officer, described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” that will take a long time for the community to heal from.
Carroll County Community Hospital hosted a vigil for two of the victims, expressing their sorrow and acknowledging the positive impact the individuals had on their organization and the community.
Donations were collected during the vigil to support the affected family. The City of Carrollton has also provided counseling assistance to first responders who may need support in coping with the tragic event.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Local News
Extreme Surf Causes Partial Collapse of Santa Cruz Pier, Prompting Water Rescues
A powerful surge of extremely high surf battered the California coast on Monday, leading to the partial collapse of the iconic Santa Cruz Pier.
The damaged portion of the pier broke away and was seen floating in the turbulent waters, underscoring the severity of the wave action caused by the extreme weather conditions.
Reports indicate that water rescues are currently underway as emergency crews respond to individuals caught in the perilous conditions.
Authorities are urging the public to stay away from the water and maintain a safe distance from the shoreline as dangerous waves continue to crash against the coast.
Video footage from the scene captures the ominous, towering waves on the horizon, creating a hazardous environment for anyone venturing near the water.
Local officials have issued warnings about the life-threatening risks of entering or approaching the surf, emphasizing that such actions endanger not only those individuals but also the lives of rescue personnel tasked with their recovery.
The Santa Cruz Pier, a beloved landmark, is a hub for local residents and tourists alike, making its damage a stark reminder of the raw power of nature.
Engineers and safety officials are expected to assess the structural integrity of the remaining portions of the pier once conditions improve.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of heeding safety advisories during this period of intense surf, which is likely linked to a combination of weather patterns, including a significant storm system and high tides.
Residents and visitors are urged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency services as they continue to respond to the evolving situation.