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Fatal Willows Of Coventry Fire Update: New Documents Released

By Eric Clabaugh
June 18, 2010 Updated Jul 31, 2009 at 7:10 PM EST

FORT WAYNE, Ind (Indiana's NewsCenter)-Fort Wayne Fire Officials released documents that have never been seen before related to the Willows of Coventry fire where three young women died.

Contained in the stack of papers are incident and observation reports from firefighters, investigation records, witness statements and photographic evidence. But it's what is not contained in this packet that may have the answers many are searching for.

On January 23, an early morning fire at the Willows of Coventry apartments critically injured three young women, all International Business College students. All three later died from smoke inhalation. The stack of records tell a story of how one fire unit located the girls in a bathroom five minutes after they arrived on scene. Police officers assuming the responsibility of driving EMS vehicles to the hospital so all medics in the vehicle could perform life saving procedures. And other officers giving EMS vehicles a rolling support so medics could transport the victims to hospitals without hesitation.

In June, fire officials released preliminary results on the cause which indicated it was at or near an electrical outlet and that they do not suspect foul play. The investigation is ongoing.

There are several other parties including lawyers for the families and the owners of the apartment complex who have requested 911 tapes and other audio records that may help more clearly tell the story of what happened. City and Fire officials continue to deny the release of that information saying it is "investigatory records." Lawyers representing the Willows say they will continue to pursue those records.



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