Yolanda Cordis, the only survivor in the Drysdale Street, Charlestown fire that claimed four lives including her two children last Saturday, is showing slight signs of improvement in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Hospital, her relatives said yesterday.
Cordis, who sustained third degree burns, is still unconscious and unable to speak due to her condition.
The results of autopsies performed on the remains of Abiola Cort, 25, and her three year-old son, Justin Kellman; as well as Cordis’ children, Akesha Cordis, one year, and Kelisha Solomon, three years, revealed they all died of smoke inhalation.
Cordis was pulled from the burning building and rushed to the hospital by some policemen who responded to a call. The two women were cousins who had been living together.
A source who was involved in rescuing the victims said that grills on the building prevented them from entering the building. The source also said that it took time for them to cut the grill and recue the occupants of the house.
The house, which was heavily grilled, was designed in such a way that the only entry or exit point for the top flat was the front veranda door, next to the kitchen.
Cort and her son was found in a bedroom at the back of the house, while her cousin Cordis was found in the bedroom in front of her with her two kids. One of the children was in front of the door in this room.
Investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
