ISHPEMING TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A fire early Monday at a nursing home in far northern Michigan forced dozens of elderly people into the snow and bitter cold, including many who were unable to walk and wearing only nightclothes. Two people died and at least 70 were injured.
Firefighters broke windows to rescue residents in 14-degree weather, and beds were knocked askew in the rush to evacuate.
The fire left walls blackened at the 122-bed Mather Nursing Center about 360 miles north of Detroit. A set of dentures left behind were melted in the searing heat, and Christmas cards were burned under a small Christmas tree sitting next to a television in one room.
Light snow was falling when the blaze was reported just after midnight with 108 elderly and seriously ill residents inside. Most were confined to beds or wheelchairs.
The cause of the fire was under investigation. Officials with the nursing home turned away reporters at the front door and would not comment.
Two of those taken to Bell Memorial Hospital died of smoke inhalation or complications from their already fragile health, hospital spokesman Rich Rossway said.
Displaced residents were taken to a high school that called off classes for the day and to Beacon House in Marquette, a hospitality facility operated by hospital volunteers.
“They’re very confused and frightened,” said Paula Susmark, executive director of the Central Upper Peninsula chapter of the American Red Cross. “You can almost see a deer-in-the-headlights look.”
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