Maureen Green, Verna Richards, Torrell Coleman, Mark Chaffin Cause Of Death – Devastating Five-Alarm Fire in Milwaukee’s Concordia Neighborhood
A devastating five-alarm fire tore through the Highland Court Apartments in Milwaukee’s Concordia neighborhood early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of five residents and leaving many others injured or displaced. The fire broke out just before 8 a.m. on May 11 at the apartment complex near 27th Street and Highland Boulevard, prompting a massive emergency response .
Victims Identified
Four of the victims have been publicly identified, including 40-year-old Torrell Coleman, 62-year-old Verna Richards, 76-year-old Mark Chaffin, and 67-year-old Maureen Green, who died later at the hospital. Verna Richards, a retired educator and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, was remembered for her kindness and generosity. The fifth victim, a woman who died in a hallway, has yet to be officially identified.
Investigation Underway
The fire’s origin remains under active investigation by the Milwaukee Fire Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the State Fire Marshal, and Milwaukee Police.
Fire investigators, along with an arson detection dog, spent more than 12 hours at the scene on Sunday and returned Monday to continue their work. There are reports from residents that a dispute may have preceded the fire, with one witness, Tony Panosian, saying he heard an argument in a third-floor hallway shortly before the blaze broke out .
Displacement and Relief Efforts
Around 100 residents have been displaced from the now-uninhabitable building. The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist, providing temporary shelter at Holler Park on 6th Street in Milwaukee. Displaced residents are encouraged to reach out to the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS for support .
Fire Safety Concerns
One major concern that emerged following the tragedy is the building’s lack of sprinklers in residential units. The complex was built before 1974 and was therefore grandfathered in, exempting it from modern sprinkler system requirements.
Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski believes that the absence of sprinklers may have worsened the outcome, saying, “If we had sprinklers in the building, we would’ve stopped the fire.” This incident has renewed discussions around fire safety standards, especially concerning older buildings that do not meet current code requirements.
Community Response
City officials have responded to the tragedy, with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson visiting the scene and speaking with firefighters and residents on Sunday.
He later expressed his condolences and support through a message on social media, saying, “My thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.” As investigations continue, the city and emergency agencies are focused on providing relief and answers to the residents of Highland Court Apartments.
Statistics on Accidents and Unintentional Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidents or unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 227,039 deaths in 2022. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety measures and emergency preparedness.
Conclusion
The Highland Court Apartments fire is a devastating reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the loss of life and the trauma experienced by survivors.
There is a growing push for accountability and a thorough review of the circumstances that led to such a devastating outcome. Residents and officials alike are demanding a full investigation and potential policy changes to prevent a similar tragedy in the future .
