Editor’s note: The location was described by officials as a hotel, but now serves as The Tamarac Family Shelter.
DENVER (KDVR) Multiple fire agencies responded to a child who fell six floors from a building in Denver, according to local authorities.
The Denver Fire Department said the child fell six floors from a family shelter building, formerly the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Tech Center North.
The building was purchased by the city through the House1000 initiative to serve as the Tamarac Family Shelter, which is managed by the Salvation Army, and holds 205 units for families with minor children, according to the city of Denver’s website.
Emergency responders said the child is awake and responsive, but has multiple injuries.
The shelter is operated by the Salvation Army, which provided affiliate KDVR with a statement about the fall.
“Today at the Tamarac shelter for families, a 7-year-old child fell from a window. Thankfully, she is in stable condition and expected to be released from the hospital soon. Her family is with her and we are supporting them,” the Salvation Army said.
“The window was a previously secured sliding glass door, fastened shut with screws and epoxy and clearly labeled do not open in English and Spanish. Unfortunately, the safety features were tampered with—contrary to The Salvation Army’s regulations and the signed guest agreement—and the door was opened.”
The Salvation Army said the Tamarac shelters up to 204 families and that window safeguards are checked weekly.
“We are deeply concerned by this incident,” the Salvation Army said.
However, the Salvation Army said the city of Denver is responsible for building maintenance and security. The organization said it has consistently raised concerns about window safety during regular meetings with city staff and leadership.
“While we are grateful that action is now being taken, we urge the city to move swiftly and decisively to ensure these long-standing safety concerns are fully addressed to protect the families we serve,” the group said. “We remain committed to maintaining safe and supportive shelter for families in need and to working closely with our city partners to prevent future incidents.”
The circumstances surrounding the fall are not yet clear.
