‘We just did our best’: Men used trampoline to rescue two girls from Galway house fire

Two teenage girls who escaped a house fire in Galway by jumping from a third-floor window are currently receiving medical treatment at University Hospital Galway (UHG). One girl underwent surgery on Friday, while the second is scheduled for surgery later on Saturday. The incident took place at a council-owned property in Slí Gheal, Knocknacarra, around 6 p.m. on Thursday. Thick plumes of smoke were visible in the surrounding area, prompting immediate responses from emergency services and nearby residents. The fire broke out in a residential home where a family with five children lived. The ages of the children range from four to 17 years old. According to eyewitness accounts, two foreign nationals living in the neighborhood were among the first to react to the blaze. They entered the burning building before the arrival of firefighters and managed to rescue three of the children. However, two of the girls remained trapped inside a room on the third floor. In a desperate attempt to escape the rising flames, these two teenagers leapt from the upper window to safety. Following their jump, both girls received initial medical attention at the scene before being transported via ambulance to UHG for further evaluation and treatment. Authorities have stated that neither girl’s condition is considered life-threatening, though they require surgical intervention due to injuries sustained during the fall. One of the girls is already in the high dependency unit at the hospital, having undergone surgery earlier in the week. The second is set to receive similar treatment soon. The fire was initially contained by the local fire service, but it reignited shortly after midnight, necessitating another response from emergency personnel. Despite the setback, no evidence of foul play has been found so far. A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that police and emergency services arrived at the scene on Ballymoneen Road, Knocknacarra, around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. “Two children were brought by ambulance to University Hospital Galway for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries,” the spokesperson said. Further details regarding the cause of the fire remain under investigation. The scene has been secured for a thorough technical examination to determine how the blaze started and why it re-ignited. Emergency services have reiterated that the situation is being treated as an accident, with no indication of criminal involvement at this stage. The family resides in a council-owned property, which raises questions about the safety conditions of public housing in the region. While the exact circumstances leading up to the fire are unclear, the incident has sparked concern among local residents about fire hazards in multi-family dwellings. Neighbors expressed gratitude toward the two individuals who risked their lives to save the children, highlighting the importance of community support during emergencies. As investigations continue, authorities are working to gather more information about the incident. The focus remains on understanding the sequence of events that led to the fire and ensuring such tragedies can be prevented in the future. Meanwhile, the two girls remain hospitalized, recovering from their injuries. Their recovery will likely be monitored closely by medical professionals, with updates expected as their condition evolves.