Fatal Austin Apartment Fire Set By Man Throwing Molotov Cocktails, Alderwoman Says

A fire at an Austin apartment building claimed four lives and was reportedly ignited by a man throwing Molotov cocktails during a domestic dispute. Ald. Emma Mitts stated the man threw one cocktail at the front and another at the back of the building following an earlier argument. The fire erupted around 2 a. m.

and spread rapidly, leading to multiple rescues by firefighters who used ladders to save residents. The Chicago Fire Department and police are treating the incident as arson, with ongoing investigations and no arrests made. Among the victims were a pregnant woman and Brad Cummings, an editor with The Voice Newspapers. A 4-year-old boy was injured and taken to Stroger Hospital, initially reported in critical condition. About 27 families were displaced, losing most of their belongings due to the fire.

Mitts expressed her distress over the incident, emphasizing the tragic impact on the community.