Boy, 4, dies & mother, 27, in Lubbock burn center after Abilene apartment complex fire

Lubbock burn center after Abilene apartment complex fire" />

Lubbock burn center after Abilene apartment complex fire" />

ABILENE, Texas - A 4-year-old boy has died and his 27-year-old mother remains in a Lubbock burn center after sustaining serious injuries during a fire Wednesday at Warwick Apartments in the 2400 block of Arrowhead Drive in south Abilene.

The child, identified as Liam Hardy, had "too much smoke inhalation" and his lungs stopped functioning, resulting in life support machines being turned off, said Benjamin Reed, the boy's uncle.  The 4-year-old was pronounced dead at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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The boy's mother, Ashley Hardy, remains at UMC Timothy J. Harnar Burn Center in Lubbock. She is expected to survive.

Another of her sons, 9-year-old Aiden, was treated at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, while an Abilene firefighter was also treated at the hospital for burns, according to the Abilene Fire Department.

Two animals also died as a result of the blaze that was reported at 10:25 a.m. Wednesday.

Previous story:

Two people –- a 4-year-old boy and 27-year-old female –- were flown to a burn center in Lubbock after sustaining injuries during a fire Wednesday at Warwick Apartments in the 2400 block of Arrowhead Drive in south Abilene, fire officials said.

Four people were initially taken to Hendrick Medical Center for treatment.  An Abilene firefighter was treated at the Abilene hospital for minor burns, while a 9-year-old boy also received treatment at the hospital.

The two who were seriously injured were flown to UMC Timothy J. Harnar Burn Center in Lubbock.

Two animals were also killed as a result of the blaze -- and 21 people were displaced from eight surrounding apartment units.

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“But many animals were rescued from surrounding units,” an Abilene Fire Department news release said.

Meanwhile, fire officials say the apartment where the fire started and adjoining units sustained $100,000 worth of fire damage.

In addition, 21 people are currently displaced from eight surrounding apartment units.

“The fire cause is still under investigation and investigators are currently still on scene gathering information,” the AFD release said. “Further information will be released when it becomes available.”

KTXS will provide additional details as they become available.

Original story:

Three people had to be taken to the hospital Wednesday, as firefighters battled a fire at Warwick Apartments in the 2500 block of Arrowhead Drive in south Abilene.

In addition, several firefighters had to be treated for heat exhaustion, Abilene Fire Department spokesman John Brunett said.

Flames were apparent and heavy smoke could be seen pouring from one of the buildings when firefighters arrived.

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The two-alarm fire was reported at 10:25 a.m.

According to Brunett:

*- The three victims were taken to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

*- Heavy damage was reported to the unit where the fire started – and the unit below sustained water damage.

*- Four units were evacuated as a safety precaution. 

*- Two pets were rescued from the downstairs unit.

*- Two ladder trucks, four engine companies, a battalion chief, assistant chief, and six investigators were called to the scene.

The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately know.

KTXS will provide additional details as they become available.

Aiden and Liam Hardy