Ely Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Callen took photos of the remains of the motorized scooter that caught on fire in Ely on Monday evening.
C. Clark
Posted
Catie Clark
ELY—An 80-year-old resident of the Boundary Waters Care Center tragically lost her life on Monday afternoon when her motorized mobility scooter caught fire. Witnesses report that a bystander spotted the flames and quickly called 911, but unfortunately, the victim was already “fully engulfed” in flames by the time staff members managed to remove her from the scooter.
Emergency responders from both the Ely police and fire departments arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, transporting the victim to Ely-Bloomenson Hospital. From there, she was airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, where she succumbed to her injuries. The severity of her burns was overwhelming, and despite the prompt medical attention, she could not be saved.
In a heart-wrenching twist, one employee from the care center sustained non-life-threatening injuries while trying to assist the victim. This individual was treated at Ely-Bloomenson and later released, highlighting the immediate danger faced in attempting to save someone from such a tragic circumstance.
The Ely Fire and Police Departments, in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal, have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the fire. As of the latest reports, the identity of the victim had not been released to the public, but her passing has left a profound impact on the community, who are mourning the loss of a cherished member.
The incident raises several crucial points regarding fire safety and emergency response in care facilities. The tragic circumstances surrounding the event underline the importance of preventive measures for individuals with mobility challenges. Regular safety drills, proper maintenance of mobility devices, and training staff to handle such emergencies can be invaluable in saving lives.
Moreover, discussions around the accessibility of fire safety resources for elderly residents are increasingly pertinent. Communities are now prompted to examine their policies and procedures to ensure that vulnerable populations are adequately protected against similar incidents in the future.
Eyewitness accounts and documents from the care center provide insight into the rapid response times of first responders and the chaos that often accompanies such emergencies. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the cause of the fire and whether any safety protocols were breached.
As the community reflects on this sorrowful event, it brings to light the need for continuous improvement in safety standards and emergency preparedness for all, particularly among those who may be unable to escape dangerous situations independently.
