Amid a deadly winter storm that has claimed at least 10 lives in Oregon this week, 18-year-old Majiah Washington is being hailed as a hero for her courageous act that saved the life of a 9-month-old baby. Washington's quick thinking and selfless actions unfolded on Wednesday in her Portland neighborhood, where a treacherous combination of ice and snow resulted in a tragic accident.
The state of Oregon declared a statewide emergency as the winter storm wreaked havoc, causing multiple fatalities. In the Portland neighborhood where Majiah Washington resides, a large tree branch, weighed down by ice and snow, toppled onto a car belonging to relatives of Washington's neighbor. The fallen power line on top of the vehicle set off a chain of events that would prove fatal for three individuals.
Witness to Tragedy
Washington, who was inside her home at the time, noticed a flash outside her window. Upon investigation, she saw a distressed scene – a car beneath a downed power line, a man, a woman, and their 9-month-old baby. The baby's mother urgently pleaded for help as the father struggled to free their child from the car.
As the baby's father attempted to navigate an icy hill with the child, tragedy struck. He slipped, making contact with the power line, causing a small fire and smoke. In a heartbreaking sequence, the baby's mother and her 15-year-old brother rushed to aid, only to meet the same fate. All three individuals succumbed to electrocution, as confirmed by Portland Fire & Rescue.
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A Selfless Act of Courage
Undeterred by the unfolding tragedy, Washington sprang into action. Despite the risk of electrocution, she called 911 and then approached the distressed baby. She carefully descended the icy slope, briefly making contact with the baby's father, and managed to safely retrieve the infant.
In an emotional recount of the events, Washington expressed her concern for the baby's safety. "I didn't know what to think. It just all happened so fast. I was concerned about the baby. No one was moving," she said.
Portland Fire and Rescue spokesman Rick Graves commended Washington's actions as "heroic." Despite the tragic loss of three lives, the baby, now identified as Tajaliayh Briggs's child, is expected to thrive thanks to the selfless bravery of a member of the community.
Mourning and Silence
Tajaliayh Briggs, 21, and her 15-year-old brother Ta'Ron Briggs were identified as the individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The name of the baby's father has not been publicly released, respecting the family's wish for privacy during this difficult time.
As the community mourns the loss of two lives and honors the heroism of Majiah Washington, questions about the safety measures during severe weather conditions and the impact of the winter storm on Oregon's infrastructure are likely to emerge in the coming days.
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