A Cleveland stepfather was left with life-threatening injuries after he saved his girlfriend’s two children from a burning building.
Cordale Sheffield, a 30-year-old, was at home with his stepchildren, aged 10 and 11, at Rainbow Terrace Apartments when an explosion happened, propelling him from the building.
When he got up, he noticed the two children, who were not identified, were still inside the apartment.
He urged the children to leap from the window, and while the boy complied, the girl was too terrified. Consequently, Sheffield rushed back inside to rescue her, as noted in a GoFundMe page.
‘He had to navigate back through the building to retrieve her, during which he suffered severe burns. He returned to the fire to save her, and that’s likely when his hair caught fire,’ explained Cordale’s sister, Cierra Alqawi, to News 5 Cleveland.
The heroic act burned 92 percent of Sheffield’s body.
‘They removed all of his skin, so he has no skin,’ his sister said.
Cordale has undergone at least four surgeries, is wrapped in bandages from head to toe, and is expected to be in the hospital for at least six months.
Cordale Sheffield, 30, was home with his two stepchildren, 10 and 11, when an explosion occurred, ejecting him from the building. When he got up, he noticed the two children, who were not identified, were still inside the apartment
According to Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman the fire damaged 44 units and has left roughly 100 people displaced. An aerial view of the damage
The huge fire caused approximately $3.5million of damage. Pictured: firefighters trying to put out the flames
Sheffield is expected to be in the hospital for six months. His sister said he looked like a ‘zombie’ after the rescue
The children have also been hospitalized and sedated, but are ‘relatively okay,’ Alqawi said.
The children’s mother was at work at the time of the incident on June 23.
Alqawi said she is proud of her brother for running back inside to save the children.
‘He’s a hero, and everybody’s recognizing him as a hero,’ she said. ‘That’s just how I want people to recognize my brother as who he is. He’s a fighter. He’s a hero.’
His sister said she learned about the fire and her brother’s injuries through social media. Someone had filmed her brother walking around after saving the children.
She said he resembled a ‘zombie’. ‘He looked like that. That’s what he looked like,’ she told the outlet.
In video obtained by 19 News, another woman is seen throwing a small child from a second-story window to bystanders below.
A few moments later, the same bystanders flagged down firefighters with a ladder to help the woman.
According to Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman the fire damaged 44 units, has left roughly 100 people displaced and caused approximately $3.5million of damage.
The little boy jumped out the window, but Sheffield had to run back inside to get the girl, leaving him with 92 percent of his body burned
The explosion completely ripped the building apart. The devastation is seen above
The devastation caused by the blaze is seen above in this photo released by the fire department
Firefighters battle the blaze after the explosion. The cause of the blast is being investigated
At statement from the City of Cleveland on the day of the fire said: ‘A fire broke out in the Garden Valley neighborhood, resulting in significant damage to several homes.
‘The firefighters and first responders worked tirelessly to contain the fire and acted quickly to protect residents and preserve property.
‘We extend our heartfelt concern to those affected by this incident, especially to the individuals who sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital.
‘The city is actively supporting the situation and is in coordination with local partners to ensure that those impacted receive the necessary support and resources during this challenging time.
‘The American Red Cross also established the Zelma George Recreation Center as a temporary shelter for residents displaced by the fire.
‘The city will continue to coordinate efforts with local organizations to assist those impacted by this tragedy as needed.’
Cordale’s family set up the GoFundMe to help pay for his medical expenses and aftercare. It has so far raised more than $40,000.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Daily Mail has reached out to Cordale’s family for comment.
