A fire at a motel in Wooster, Ohio, killed three people who became trapped inside a room as flames tore through the building, authorities said Wednesday.
Background
The incident occurred at an Econo Lodge located about 60 miles south of Cleveland in Wooster. Firefighters from Wooster Township Fire Department arrived on scene to find flames shooting through the roof of the motel's back section around 1:30 a.m., according to Fire Chief Dallas Terrell. The one-story detached area where the fire originated sustained heavy damage as the flames spread rapidly through the structure.
The Investigation
Chief Terrell reported that a man who was trapped inside the room called the front desk, telling an employee they could not escape the smoke and fire. Firefighters made multiple attempts to reach the victims but were unable to save them, authorities said. Two of those who died were employees at the motel, according to a statement from the motel employee who spoke with WEWS-TV in Cleveland. Investigators went room-to-room through other sections of the motel to ensure all guests were safely evacuated. No other injuries were reported in connection with the fire.
The cause remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined what sparked the blaze that claimed three lives at the Econo Lodge location.
Key Takeaways
- Three people died after becoming trapped in a room during the early morning fire at an Econo Lodge in Wooster, Ohio
- Flames were shooting through the roof when firefighters arrived around 1:30 a.m., Chief Dallas Terrell reported
- A trapped man called the motel front desk to report they could not escape the smoke-filled room
- Two of the deceased were motel employees, according to a motel employee who spoke with WEWS-TV
- Firefighters made multiple attempts to reach those trapped but were unable to save them
- No other injuries were reported; cause of fire remains under investigation
What's Next
Investigators are working to determine what caused the fire at the Econo Lodge. The Wayne County Coroner's Office will likely identify the victims once family notifications are complete. Authorities have not indicated when they expect to release findings from the fire investigation.