CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A tragic incident unfolded on Wilmington Island early Sunday morning, resulting in one fatality and leaving 10 residents without shelter following a devastating fire.

At around 12:18 a.m., the Chatham County Fire Department (CCFD) dispatched several units to tackle a blaze that erupted on the 400 block of N. Cromwell Road. Upon reaching the scene, firefighters were met with a fiercely blazing multi-unit structure and reports of individuals possibly trapped inside.

In a dramatic rescue, a person and two pets were safely removed from a second-floor window using a ladder. The individual was quickly taken to Memorial Hospital by emergency medical services but succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire.

Subsequently, as the flames were subdued, another person was discovered within the building. The current condition of this individual remains unclear.

A second person was found in the structure after the fire was under control. The state of the individual is currently unknown.

10 people were displaced from their homes after the incident. Officials say the Red Cross, Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner have been notified.