OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. – Six students from the University of South Carolina (USC) and one from Clemson University were killed when the beach house they were residing in caught fire.
Authorities stated the fire started before 7 a.m. It burned through the first and second floors, leaving only the frame of the house and stilts it was built upon. Because of the stilts, firefighters had to climb ladders to get to the first floor of the house.
There were six survivors of the fire, including a student who jumped into the water from the burning house. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, although they stated the fire began on the deck of the house. The house also had working smoke detectors.
The privately owned house called “Changing Channels” was being used by the owner’s daughter and her friends.
Two Greek organizations, Delta Delta Delta Sorority and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, were affected by the fire. The spokesman for Sigma Alpha Epsilon said the organization was sending a chaplain down to speak to the members in Columbia, S.C.
Classes will be held at both schools. Students will be able to speak with counselors, clergy members and resident advisors.
