The Franklin County Coroner's Office officially released the identities of three individuals who tragically lost their lives in an apartment fire that occurred last week. The identifications were confirmed and reported on Tuesday.

Tragic Loss in North Columbus Blaze

Victims Named by Coroner

According to documentation from the Coroner's Office, the deceased have been identified as Souriya Bekka, Nour-ddine Bouchkara, and Margaret Baker. These three individuals succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire.

The fatal incident took place on March 20 at an apartment building located in the 200 block of Broad Meadows Boulevard in the northern section of Columbus.

Fire Response and Building Conditions

Fire Department Details

Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter provided details regarding the emergency response. He confirmed that the structure housed 39 separate units at the time the fire broke out.

Chief Geitter stated that the fire appeared to have originated on the first floor of the building. Upon arrival, emergency crews observed residents attempting to escape the inferno by climbing out of windows.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Firefighters quickly deployed ladders to assist residents in evacuating the dangerous blaze. Columbus police personnel were also on site to aid in the rescue and containment efforts.

Some occupants of the complex shared their harrowing experiences with local media. Reports indicated that the building houses a significant number of elderly tenants.

Eyewitness Account of Escape

One resident recounted the terrifying moments of the evacuation. "The people across the hall were yelling, 'run put your head down and run,'" the survivor recalled.

The resident explained that visibility quickly dropped to zero. "By the time I started to run you couldn't see anything. I wasn't going to make it to the steps."

The individual managed to reach their own apartment, which they knew was still unlocked. They quickly entered and shut the door, believing the smoke would be kept out. "I made it to my window. And I stood halfway in the window, halfway out, waiting on somebody with a ladder or the fire department," they concluded.