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Father of duplex fire victims is released from hospital

February 24, 2014 at 7:44AM

At the site of one of the deadliest fires in Minneapolis history, which occurred in a duplex on the 2800 block of Colfax Ave N. earlier this month, pastor Jules Omalanga left some rosaries and prayer cards for five young victims. Omalanga used to preach in the neighborhood but did not know the children personally. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The father who was injured in a house fire while trying to rescue his seven children has been released from Hennepin County Medical Center.

Troy Lewis, 60, was able to rescue two of his daughters in the Valentine's Day fire. Shaca, 9, was still in critical condition on Sunday and Electra, 5, was listed as satisfactory, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Lewis had been treated for smoke inhalation and spinal injuries suffered when he jumped out a second-floor window during the fire, then re-entered to find only the two girls alive.

The Minneapolis Fire Department said the blaze at the duplex at 2818 Colfax Av. N., doesn't appear to be arson, and that investigators have not determined a clear cause.

JIM ADAMS