I'm constantly telling you about my favorite things about Abilene, but Abilene is just like any other city. It has it's good qualities but it also has crime and tragic accidents (crime can often be similar to tragic accidents, except it's more like senseless accidents), and today was one of those.
While many of you were out getting last minute cokes and pretzels for your Super Bowl parties I was out getting footage of a house that was no longer standing and talking to neighbors who watched their friends house burn to the ground with a mother trapped inside.
Early this morning three fire engines and a ladder truck, along with several other rescue personal, went to the 1200 block of Cedar where a house was already full engulfed in flames.
According to one neighbor, the home owner Eddie Edwards was trying to distinguish the fire with a garden hose and was unsure where his wife Michelle was.
It turns out that Michelle was trapped in a bathroom and fire fighters were unable to save her.
Eddie and his three children made it out of the house, but one of his sons did receive 3rd degree burns to 87% his body and had to be air lifted to Lubbock by a helicopter. His other two children were treated in town for minor injuries and have already been released.
While many of you were out getting last minute cokes and pretzels for your Super Bowl parties I was out getting footage of a house that was no longer standing and talking to neighbors who watched their friends house burn to the ground with a mother trapped inside.
Early this morning three fire engines and a ladder truck, along with several other rescue personal, went to the 1200 block of Cedar where a house was already full engulfed in flames.
According to one neighbor, the home owner Eddie Edwards was trying to distinguish the fire with a garden hose and was unsure where his wife Michelle was.
It turns out that Michelle was trapped in a bathroom and fire fighters were unable to save her.
Eddie and his three children made it out of the house, but one of his sons did receive 3rd degree burns to 87% his body and had to be air lifted to Lubbock by a helicopter. His other two children were treated in town for minor injuries and have already been released.
It made it even harder when I went back tonight to shoot my stand up (when you can see me in the story), because Michelle's father came out and spoke with me. It's so hard to talk with a parent who has recently lost their child, and to make it worse he still does not know the fate of his grandson.
I choose to be a reporter, I've spent my whole life wanting it, but I can't deny the hurt and pain I feel having to be so close to so many horrible things that happen.
People talk about how depressing the news can be- but just imagine if it was your daily duty to stand in the middle of all that ciaos and tell others about it.
Don't get me wrong, I do my job for several reasons, 1) because somebody has to do it, 2) usually I do love my job and 3) there can be some really rewarding moments; like after you do a story and someone comes up and tells you how much you helped them or they tell you how they were impacted by something you reported on- there is no feeling in the world like it. Like when I was talking to Michelle's father and he told me about all the people who have already been to his home donating clothing for the children, giving them food and money, offering to help in anyway they can. Despite this horrible event I still get to see a great side of people.
Till next time-Courtnee
p.s. a special thanks to Bill Altom who shared this photo with me
Great post Courtnee...and great job on the story.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy...and scary how fast things can change...I'd be willing to bet the Edwards' were getting ready for a nice Super Sunday when this fire broke out and changed their day...and lives, forever.
I think it is good to be reminded of how precious...and unknowingly short, life is, and how so much good (the donations and support of friends and neighbors for the Edwards') can come out of something so bad. And I, as well as, I'm sure, many KRBC viewers, appreciate and applaud you for your work and the way you fight through your fears and painful feelings to do such a great job bringing us the news...and such a variety of news stories.