A councillor has praised emergency services for their efforts in tackling a house fire that has left two people in a critical condition.
A man aged 37 and a woman aged 70 are in a critical condition after the fire which started in Dungannon on Monday.
SDLP Dungannon councillor Karol McQuade praised the emergency services for their response.
“The heroic actions of our emergency services prevented this fire from being a major tragedy on Monday night,” he said.
“Police officers put themselves at serious risk to rescue these people and save their lives, suffering the effects of smoke inhalation in the process.
“This was a terrible incident that put four people and our emergency services in danger.
“The quick-thinking of police officers and support from neighbours was key in making sure this fire wasn’t much worse. I pay tribute to all of the emergency services for their response to this fire.”
Twelve people hospitalised after Dungannon house fire
Eight officers were treated for smoke inhalation after the fire.
Mr McQuade said the community is in shock following the incident.
“Police are treating this incident as an arson attack and I can’t imagine why anyone would want to do this,” he added.
“People in the local community will be reeling from this incident today, nobody expected something like this to unfold on their doorsteps.”
A man has been arrested in connection to the fire.
The man (21) was discovered on the roof of a house in the Cunninghams Lane area of the town last night.
Distressing footage from the scene last night showed a child screaming at an upstairs window for help as the exit is engulfed in flames.
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 8.30pm after reports of a house fire with children trapped.
The PSNI said: “The property was seen to be well alight, and as such, knowing that the residents were still inside, officers obtained ladders from neighbouring properties and used them to rescue four people.
“A fifth person was found on the roof, and brought to safety.
“Fire Service extinguished the blaze, which has caused extensive damage.”
A total of 12 people have been hospitalised following the fire – four were rescued from the house.
A man aged 37 and a woman aged 70 remain in a critical condition, while two children, aged 7 and 10, are in a stable condition.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time.
The PSNI added: “Eight local policing officers were taken to hospital for treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation. Thankfully, all were released in the early hours of the morning.
“While I am extremely proud of their actions, my thoughts, and those of all of us in the police service, are with those who remain in hospital today.
“We want to thank the residents of Cunninghams Lane for their assistance with this terrible incident, which was undoubtedly traumatic for all involved.
“The community will continue to see the presence of the emergency services in the area throughout today, as we proceed with our investigation into the cause of this fire.”
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call shortly after 8.30pm on Monday and emergency crews were dispatched to the scene, as well as rapid response paramedics.
A spokesperson said: “Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, 12 patients were taken by ambulance to Craigavon Area Hospital.”
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Police were seen escorting a man away from the scene.
Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew said his thoughts were with those affected by the house fire.
“This is a deeply traumatic incident for the family and everyone involved,” he said.
“I commend our frontline responders for their swift action in safely evacuating all residents.
“I want to particularly pay tribute to the police officers who risked their lives and entered the home, which was engulfed in flames, to bring this family and others to safety.”
UUP MLA Diana Armstrong said it was “concerning news”.
“I’m aware of a serious incident ongoing on Cunninghams Lane with PSNI and NI Fire Service on site. I’m liaising with PSNI to ascertain the current situation,” she said.
SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn also said he was concerned by the incident.
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