NEW ORLEANS — A woman died after being rushed to the hospital as a fire broke out in a group of buildings that destroyed three residences in Central City Wednesday, according to the New Orleans Fire Department.
The three-alarm fire in the 2600 block of South Johnson sent smoke billowing into the sky and it could be seen for miles.
New Orleans Fire Department Superintendent Roman Nelson said that crews were on the scene within six minutes of the alarm being reported to the fire department.
"Response time was not an issue with this fire," he said.
Nelson said that a female victim was overcome by smoke and rushed to the hospital. The fire department said in a news release that she succumbed to her injuries.
Supt. Nelson said victim's young son is currently in the neighborhood and has some medical issues and was seen after the fire, but can not be located at this time.
"He has been spotted in the neighborhood but no one has been able to get him to come back... he's kind of worked up right now," Nelson said.
The location of the three buildings was 2607, 2609 and 2611 South Johnson. Roman said all of the residences were occupied and that all of the residents from 2609 and 2611 S. Johnson have been accounted for.
Moderate damage was also reported at two buildings on Third Street.