A Milwaukee mother remains hospitalized in critical condition after pushing her young daughter out of a second-story window to save her from a fast-moving apartment fire that authorities allege was intentionally set by a fellow resident.
The fire broke out shortly after 6:30 a.m. on January 16 at an apartment building on Fardale Avenue near South 27th Street and Loomis Road on the city’s south side. Five people were injured in the blaze, which left the entire building uninhabitable.
The mother, identified as 28-year-old Kessy, and her 9-year-old daughter, Ni’Lah, were trapped inside their second-floor unit as thick smoke filled the hallway, blocking the only exit. With no safe escape route, Kessy pushed her daughter out of a window in an effort to save her life.
A neighbor who was outside the building witnessed the scene and caught Ni’Lah before she struck the ground. The child was taken to a hospital and later released after being treated for a leg injury and minor smoke inhalation.
Another child who escaped by jumping from a window suffered a broken pelvis. Other victims were hospitalized with injuries including severe smoke inhalation and lacerations. The injured ranged in age from 9 to 64.
Kessy suffered severe injuries and remains in the intensive care unit under heavy sedation, requiring breathing assistance. Firefighters responding to the scene were forced to rescue several residents from second-floor windows as smoke and flames spread rapidly through the building.
Investigators later arrested 44-year-old Keith Luko, a resident of the building, in connection with the fire. According to a criminal complaint, surveillance footage allegedly showed Luko removing personal belongings from the building hours before the fire and fleeing the scene as flames erupted behind him.
Authorities say Luko admitted to pouring gasoline in the hallway and igniting it with a lighter. He allegedly told investigators he was angry about neighbors smoking marijuana inside the building.
Luko has been charged with eight felony counts, including arson, first-degree reckless injury, and six counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety. An attorney representing him has not publicly responded to the allegations.
The fire rendered all eight apartment units unlivable, displacing approximately 25 residents. Family members of Kessy have launched a fundraiser to assist with recovery efforts, stating that nearly all of the family’s belongings were destroyed in the fire.