Augusta, GA
Tragedy Strikes: Augusta Apartments Ravaged by Late Night Fire
Late Wednesday night, tragedy struck the Nine Two Six West Apartments in Augusta as a devastating fire tore through an apartment building, leaving multiple families displaced and in shock.
The incident, which unfolded shortly before 11 PM, drew a massive response from local police and the fire department, with reports indicating a scene engulfed in flames and thick smoke.
Residents like Vanessa Holden recounted her disbelief as she came back home that night. “I came out here and all I could do was just watch everything go to pieces,” Holden, highlighted the emotional toll and financial strain now facing her and others affected.
Eyewitness Alexis Johnson described the chaotic scene as emergency vehicles arrived at the complex. “We saw like maybe 20 to 30 emergency vehicles. It was just completely ablaze. Smoke was everywhere… It was hard to breathe,” Alexis recalled, painting a vivid picture of the intense firefighting efforts amidst the holiday backdrop.
Authorities received an initial call reporting sounds of fireworks hours before the fire broke out, prompting speculation about a possible connection.
Two emails sent to residents underscored the seriousness of the situation, one notifying them of heightened emergency presence and another reiterating the strict prohibition of fireworks on the property.
The fire ravaged a total of 16 units. Vanessa Holden, one of the unfortunate residents affected, expressed gratitude for the support of organizations like the Red Cross and the property management team.
“Financial assistance about 300 and up… The property manager told me that they would get back to me since I have renter’s insurance.” Vanessa shared, highlighting the financial uncertainties compounded by the loss.
While Vanessa’s apartment was damaged, Alexis Johnson expressed solidarity with her less fortunate neighbors. “It’s devastating… a lot of people lost their homes and a lot of their belongings,” Alexis empathized.
One injury was reported as a resident escaped from their balcony during the chaos.
However, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined as investigations continue.
Copyright 2024 WFXG. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta lifts boil water advisory, creative ways Augustans collected water post-Helene
The City of Augusta on Friday night announced the boil water advisory was lifted for residents and businesses.
The Augusta Utilities Department lifted the boil water advisory, issued on Monday, noting comprehensive water testing confirmed the tap water meets all regulatory standards and is safe for human consumption, according to a news release.
Affected customers no longer need to boil water for drinking, cooking or making ice – but should flush their lines by opening the cold water faucet and letting the water run for two minutes, according to the release.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience,” officials wrote in the release.
How Augustans coped without water
Many Augusta residents had to find alternative methods of gathering water in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Last week, reporters with The Chronicle watched as Ricardo Ramirez collected water in a trash bag from a street gutter on Aumond Road.
“This is the only way we can [get water], unless we go to the river, but that is too far away,” Ramirez said.
He explained that he was using the water to flush the toilet, but was walking to a nearby creek to bathe.
Aside from being out of water, a large tree crashed through the ceiling of his AirBnB, causing extensive interior damage.
“Our road was completely full of trees – everywhere,” Ramirez said. “A friend [who was in the house] was standing so close to where the tree came through the house, he almost died.”
He added it was difficult to get anywhere because his truck was blocked my fallen trees in his yard, and Augustans were hesitant to give him a ride to the grocery store to get drinking water.
“The Publix is open so we walked all the way there carrying our bags,” Ramirez said. “In Mexico, a lot of people offer [rides to others]. Not here. We are completely on our own.”
Anyone with questions or concerns about the lifted water advisory should contact 311 using the mobile app.
This story was updated to add a video.
Helene live updates from Augusta: Meet ‘Storm,’ an Augusta puppy growing up in the dark
Augusta, GA
2 slain in separate overnight shootings in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Two people died overnight in Richmond County in unrelated shootings – Augusta’s second and third homicides since Hurricane Helene struck the city a little over a week ago.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to the parking lot of El Presidente, located at 2 Eighth Street, in reference to a shooting at 7:54 p.m.
Deputies say upon arrival, they located a male who had been shot at least one time.
The victim succumbed to his injuries.
Arthur Braxton, 32, of Aiken, was pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m. on the scene, according to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.
Deputies say a subject has been detained.
The second shooting happened at Oakview Place Apartments.
At 3:03 a.m. Saturday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at the 3500 block of Oakview Place.
Stephon Jones, 22, who lives at the complex, was shot at least once.
Jones was pronounced dead at 4:10 a.m. Saturday.
The two shootings are unrelated, according to the Richmond Coroner’s Office.
Autopsies have been scheduled for both victims.
The shootings are Augusta’s second and third homicides since Helene.
Last Saturday, a male victim was fatally shot in the chest at 10th and Florence streets.
The shootings come amid an outbreak of violent crime that’s claimed more than 180 lives in two and a half years across the CSRA.
The crime outbreak has affected communities large and small, but as the biggest city in the region, Augusta has been hit especially hard.
Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
1 dead after shooting on 8th Street in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on 8th Street in Augusta on Friday, according to authorities.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to the parking lot of El Presidente, located at 2 8th Street, in reference to a shooting at 7:54 p.m.
Deputies say upon arrival, they located a male who had been shot at least one time.
The victim succumbed to his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies say a subject has been detained.
Investigators say they were still on the scene at 9:11 p.m.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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