Mesa, Arizona, January 24, 2026
A third-alarm fire at an eight-unit apartment building in Mesa, Arizona, early on Saturday resulted in six people hospitalized, including four children. The fire broke out near Baseline and Dobson roads, prompting a rapid response from multiple fire departments. The injured, mainly suffering from serious burns, were transported to a local burn center, with one child requiring an airlift for urgent care. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Mesa
Six Hospitalized, Including Four Children, Following Devastating Apartment Fire
A significant third-alarm fire erupted at an eight-unit apartment building in Mesa, Arizona, in the early hours of Saturday, January 24, 2026. The blaze, which occurred just before 2 a.m. MST near the intersection of Baseline and Dobson roads, led to the hospitalization of six individuals, including two adults and four children, who sustained serious burns.
Emergency crews from multiple East Valley fire departments, including Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler, rapidly responded to contain the extensive fire. Upon arrival, police and fire department personnel found the six victims with serious burns, necessitating their immediate transport to a local burn center. Among those injured, one child required an airlift from Banner Desert hospital to the specialized burn facility due to the severity of their injuries.
In the immediate aftermath, thirty residents from the affected apartment complex were successfully evacuated. These evacuated individuals were subsequently directed to a local junior high, where they received essential shelter and support in the cold early morning hours. As of now, authorities have not immediately determined the cause of the destructive fire, and an investigation into the incident is expected to be underway.
Accused Healthcare CEO Killer Appears in Court
In separate news, the individual accused in the killing of a healthcare CEO was back in court on Friday, January 23, 2026. While specific details regarding Friday’s proceedings were not immediately available, the court appearance marks another development in a high-profile case that has drawn considerable attention.
This court event pertains to Luigi Mangione, who stands accused of the murder of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare. The federal case against Mangione has seen ongoing legal maneuvers, including efforts by his defense team to prevent the death penalty from being considered. Arguments presented by Mangione’s attorneys have contended that the case does not meet the necessary criteria to warrant a death penalty consideration.
Previous judicial proceedings in Mangione’s case have included a pretrial hearing that concluded in December 2025. This hearing focused on determining which evidence prosecutors would be permitted to use during his trial in New York. Further back, in January 2025, court proceedings were subject to delays, with the deadline for his indictment being extended to mid-February of that year. Mangione currently faces charges detailed in a criminal complaint. Authorities have alleged that Brian Thompson was fatally shot by Mangione on December 4. The legal process continues as both sides prepare for the upcoming stages of this complex trial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Mesa on Saturday morning?
An eight-unit apartment building near Baseline and Dobson roads in Mesa, Arizona, experienced a third-alarm fire just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
How many people were injured in the Mesa fire?
Six people were injured, including two adults and four children, all of whom sustained serious burns and were hospitalized.
Was anyone airlifted due to the Mesa fire?
Yes, one of the children involved in the Mesa fire had to be airlifted from Banner Desert to a local burn center.
How many residents were evacuated from the Mesa apartment complex?
Thirty residents were evacuated from the complex and taken to a local junior high for shelter and support.
What is the status of the investigation into the Mesa fire’s cause?
The cause of the destructive fire has not been immediately determined and is currently under investigation.
Who is the accused healthcare CEO killer mentioned in court?
The accused healthcare CEO killer is Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
When was the accused healthcare CEO killer in court?
The accused healthcare CEO killer was back in court on Friday, January 23, 2026.
What is a key legal aspect of Luigi Mangione’s case?
A key legal aspect of Luigi Mangione’s case involves efforts by his defense team to prevent the death penalty from being considered in the federal case.
When did the pretrial hearing for Luigi Mangione conclude?
A pretrial hearing regarding evidence prosecutors could use in his trial concluded in December 2025.
Summary of Key Events (Last 48 Hours)
| Event | Date/Time | Location | Key Details | Impact | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Apartment Fire | Early Saturday, January 24, 2026, just before 2 a.m. MST | Eight-unit apartment building near Baseline and Dobson roads, Mesa, Arizona | Third-alarm fire, multiple East Valley fire departments responded (Mesa, Tempe, Chandler). Cause not immediately determined. | Six people hospitalized with serious burns (2 adults, 4 children), one child airlifted. Thirty residents evacuated to a local junior high for shelter. | Local |
| Accused Healthcare CEO Killer Court Appearance | Friday, January 23, 2026 | (Court location not specified for this specific date, but case is a federal case in New York) | Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was back in court. Ongoing legal battles include efforts to remove death penalty consideration. | Continued legal proceedings in a high-profile federal murder case. | National (due to federal case against CEO killer) |
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