A devastating fire in West Englewood claimed the lives of two children and two adults early Wednesday morning. Police reported the fire started just before 2 a.m. at a home on the 6200 block of South Paulina Street in Chicago.
Among the victims were an 8-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, who both died at Comer Children’s Hospital. Two adults, a man and a woman, suffered severe burns and later passed away at the University of Chicago Medicine. The Cook County medical examiner identified one of the adults as 57-year-old Reginald Lee Wilson. Autopsies are planned for Thursday. Two other boys, aged 14 and 16, are in stable condition at Comer.
The relationships among the victims remain unclear. However, Cadarius Wilson, aged 24, provided crucial assistance during the fire. Visiting a friend in the area, Wilson was the first to notice the flames. Unable to enter the home due to a locked gate, he called 911 and attempted to warn residents and neighbors.
Wilson mentioned that the area was quiet, with only dogs barking. He successfully rescued two teenage boys from the burning home by encouraging them to jump out a window so he could catch them. “I told them I am not going anywhere,” Wilson said. “I am right here to catch y’all. I am not going to leave.” He stayed with the brothers, calming and supporting them until medical help arrived.
All six individuals, including the two brothers, were taken to hospitals. Despite his bravery, Wilson refuses the title of hero, describing himself as a “regular person” who acted out of love. “If I were, if that were the case, everyone would be alive right now,” he reflected. “I’m grateful for the things I was able to do while I was there.”
Fire officials and Wentworth Area detectives are investigating the cause of the blaze, currently treated as arson.
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