The Triangle

Issue date: 5/25/07 Section: News
Originally published: 5/25/07 at 4:35 AM EST
Last update: 5/25/07 at 4:34 AM EST

Media Credit: Pete Croteau The charred deck where the fire began early Saturday morning at 3616 Baring Street. The fire burned mostly throughout the upper levels of the building, forcing a student to jump from a window breaking his hip and leg.

Two Drexel students awoke early Saturday morning to the smell of smoke and calls of "fire" from a neighbor in their apartment at 3616 Baring Street.

Vishesh Singh, a junior majoring in chemical engineering explained that when he was first alerted of the fire by his neighbor he had no idea of the severity.

"I took it very casually at first," said Singh.

"Everything was filled with smoke," he added.

Singh said that neighbor Sebastian Hauman, UPenn student ran to their apartment was yelled about the fire.

Hauman told Singh and his roommate Harsha Kothapalli to get out while Hauman returned for this computer.

"Sebstian saved our lives," said Kothapalli.

Although Vishesh and Kothapalli were safely out of the building Hauman had become trapped in the third floor.

With little options for escape Hauman jumped from the third floor window, causing several serious injuries.

"The male jumped from the window broke his hip and leg and needed medical attention," said a report by Drexel's Public Safety Department.

Although the Philadelphia Fire Department arrived in less than ten minutes it was Drexel Public Safety who was first on the scene.

"They were really good, they acted quickly," said Singh.

Both Singh and Kothapalli declined medical treatment at the scene. Hauman was transported by the PFD to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Officials from both Public Safety and Residential Life arrived on scene to assist the students.

Singh and Kothapalli have been given a suite in the Race Street Dorm and have also been given a weeklong free meal plan.

For Singh and Kothapalli the search for a new apartment has been difficult. Both said they are hoping Drexel will extend the housing.

While Singh and Kothapalli praised the support from the University they expressed concern over landlord Powelton Properties lack of fire prevention systems.

The two said that the building lacked fire alarms, sprinklers and a fire escape.

"That's ridiculous" said Kothapalli.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Philadelphia Fire Marshall's Office. Sources close to the investigation said the fire started near a deck and that no immediate cause could be determined.

Look for the next issue of The Triangle for an investigation on fire safety on Drexel's campus.

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