A fatal fire broke out at an apartment complex in the Bronx last Thursday, killing at least 12 people and, reportedly, four children. The fire was started accidentally by a three-year-old boy who had been playing with burners on a kitchen stove. The problem was exacerbated when the child’s mother discovered the fire, fled the apartment with her children, and then left her apartment door open, allowing the fire to spread rapidly.
All those who died were residents of the complex – except one, a soldier who was home for Christmas. As the fire continued to engulf the complex, Private Emmanuel Mensah escorted out those struggling to evacuate. He had left the building twice with survivors before returning a third time.
According to Hot Air,
Private Mensah, a decorated soldier who had been awarded a medal for marksmanship and was planning to join the military police, got that family to safety, then pulled out four more people, his uncle said, before returning to the building.
He never emerged; the authorities said he died of smoke inhalation.
“That’s his nature: He wants to help people out,” his father later told CNN. “As a father, you always have to feel sad when you get such news about your son, and I thought maybe he’s coming back,” he said. “But unfortunately it turns out the other way.”
Based on photos of Private Mensah, he held the rank of a private first class. The fire was the deadliest to erupt in NYC since 1990, when a fire at a Bronx nightclub killed 87.
This is a story of extreme bravery and demonstrates something important about our armed forces: whether on the battlefield or at home, they will do anything to save American lives. Mensah is a true hero. His family could use our prayers right now.
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