One dies, child critically injured in Georgetown fire

One person died and a child was critically injured during a fire that damaged a Georgetown home Sept. 14.

Firefighters with the Georgetown Fire Co. responded to the fire at 8:24 a.m. and found the two-story home at 211 East Market St. engulfed in flames, said Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal. 

A bystander told firefighters that two people were trapped inside the home, Chionchio said, and firefighters rescued an 87-year-old and a 18-month-old child.

Both were rushed to Beebe Healthcare, he said, where the 87-year-old was pronounced dead in the emergency room. The 18-month-old child was flown to the Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, and is listed in critical condition.

State fire investigators and detectives from the Georgetown Police Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire. Damage is estimated at $300,000. Neighbors along Market Street said the home had recently had a new roof installed.

Anyone with information regarding this fire including any cell phone or home security video footage is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s – Sussex Division at (302) 856-5600.