A person was killed and five others injured in a seven-alarm fire in Watauga County Friday morning, according to officials. The Assistant Fire Marshall said earlier that a family of four escaped and one person was still unaccounted before later confirming the death.
In addition to the family of four, another person was hurt, and was airlifted to the hospital from the fire.
The fire broke out around 5:45 a.m. at the Valle Landing strip mall next to Valle Crucis Elementary School on Broadstone Road, just off of Highway 194. The road was shut down for a time, but the school was not affected.
“Huge explosion, then I looked out the window and saw big flames,” said Gerry Ward.
Apartments are above the businesses that caught fire.
“At the time of the response, there was six people inside the building. Three of those people were treated on scene and released, one of those people went to the local emergency room in Watauga County, one person was airlifted with life-threatening injuries, and one person is still unaccounted for at this time,” Rebecca Russell with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office said before officials confirmed that the person was found deceased.
Several neighbors have already asked Red Cross what they could do to help both the victims and owners of the businesses at the strip mall.
“It’s just the way this community is. If anything happens, they’re there for you,” Ward said.
Watauga County Communications said all fire and EMS personnel were accounted for.
Earlier, Watauga County Communications said they were praying for the emergency crews and victims.
More than 85 emergency workers responded to the fire.