Lightning strike to blame for Indian Lakes apartment fire
Lightning strike to blame for Indian Lakes apartment fire Save Email Print
Posted: 3:49 PM Jun 23, 2008
Last Updated: 10:22 PM Jun 24, 2008
Reporter: Sarah Platt
Email Address: sarah.platt@wndu.com

A | A | A

Mishawaka residents are beginning to sort through the rubble, after a late night fire at Indian Lakes Apartments. The fire started around 8:30 Sunday night after an apparent lightning strike.

It's been a rough 20 hours or so hours for some residents here at Indian Lakes Apartments. The good news is everyone made it out okay, but the fire destroyed at least a dozen apartments and damaged several more.

Fire investigators are wrapping up their work, taking a closer look at the building and aftermath. Depending on the damage, some tenants have been allowed back in their apartments to retrieve their belongings. Several apartments suffered smoke damage, while others have water damage from the firefighters’ efforts.

The American Red Cross is helping residents with some of their immediate needs. “It was worse than I thought it would be, the water actually came through the floor and blasted out paint. It was a pretty good splattering of everything," says Eric Bishop, whose apartment was destroyed.

"Whenever they let us in, we'll see if there's anything we can save, but looking from back, it seems pretty bleak outlook there," adds Covington Doan, another fire victim.

"I just hope everybody comes through it OK, and they have enough apartments to get everybody home,” says Bob Gill, whose sister’s apartment was destroyed.

After taking a close look at this building, firefighters say a firewall helped stop the flames from spreading to other apartments. Some residents tell Newscenter 16 that they don’t have renter’s insurance.

Luckily, Mishawaka's Douglas Road Fire Station is just across the street, so firefighters were able to respond within just a couple of minutes.

More Stories
Focus on Faith: Faith at the Fair!

Sundays with Steve: As American as apple pie!

Merrillville bridge collapse injures more than a dozen people

South Bend crews fight early morning fire and fog

Three classic American rockers entertain Michiana at the Cove

Carmichael returns to RedBud; first-time winner crowned

North Liberty, LaPorte celebrate Fourth of July with parades

RedBud once again brings in big crowd to boost Buchanan economy

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: B Location: Mishawka on Jun 27, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Normal itelligent people make unwise decisions everyday that put them at risk. We (humans) drive too fast, eat/use cell phones while driving, eat junk food, don't exercise, drink alcohol, smoke, among other things (including not having renters insurance). It doesn't make us idiots or morons, just normal people who sometimes make unwise choices. The true idiots are ones who ignorantly judge people they know nothing about, and leaving insulting messages for no apparent reason, under the anonymity and saftey of the web makes them cowards as well.

Posted by: annonymous Location: SB on Jun 24, 2008 at 08:00 PM
It is sad to see how many mean people out there. I failed to see how renters insurance will solve the problem. You can never recover all your memorable stuff, whether you have insurance or not. Things that have any kind of sentimental value, have no price on them. Besides, it is not like insurance check will be waiting for you the next day. It will be months before you will be re inburst. So before you judge any one, think about what if this would have happened to you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 24, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Does anyone ever edit these online stories? They copy is lousy.

Posted by: T Location: Mishawaka on Jun 24, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Nick, having renters insurance doesnt prevent fires! Not to mention, having insurance of any kind does not mean that you immediately get all of your basic needs met as soon as you are without a home. There is a process and it takes time. Renters insurance or not, the Red Cross should step in and help people until the insurance claims are processed and checks start rolling in. You just wait until you are put into a disastrous situation and realize you could have done more to protect yourself. Would you like other ignorants like yourself to pass judgement on you?? Think about that for a while.

Posted by: AlwaysHad Location: SouthBend on Jun 24, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Now lets see how many idiots still don't have renter's insurance. I had it for years, and it has come in quite handy when a kid next door decides to unscrew all the pipes, and stuff it with paper until it burst. A person smoking in bed, damaged an entire line of apartments. That one got me 15 grand and I bought a home. This,granted, was an act of nature, but IF you have renter's insurance, you will get the FULL market value to replace your items. I agree with Nick totally on this one. And for the rest of you who say were insensitive, NOT...we just have common sense. Stuff happens all the time, PROTECT yourself.

Posted by: Nick on Jun 24, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Every time something like this happens. There are still morons WITHOUT renters insurance. It costs next to nothing yet morons still don't have it. The American Red Cross should not help those who would have and could have prevented the issue at hand by having renters insurance.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 23, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Ha, ha! Missed me!


WNDU News Poll
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.