CHICAGO — A terrifying overnight fire tore through an apartment building in the Austin neighborhood early Thursday, leaving six people hospitalized, including multiple children, according to Chicago fire officials.
The fire broke out just before 2 a.m. in the 5200 block of West North Avenue, prompting a rapid response from emergency crews. When firefighters arrived, they found the entire structure engulfed in flames, with smoke and chaos spilling into the surrounding neighborhood.
Multiple Rescues Amid Intense Blaze
As crews battled the fire, a ladder truck was deployed to rescue five people trapped inside. A sixth individual was saved by a firefighter conducting an internal search through the smoke-filled building.
Officials said that three of the six victims are currently in critical or grave condition, though further details on their identities and ages have not yet been released.
Witnesses Describe a Harrowing Scene
Residents and neighbors described hearing screams, loud noises, and seeing people jump from the burning structure to escape. One witness told WGN-TV that desperate individuals were seen dropping children out of windows in an effort to get them to safety.
The fire left a devastating mark on the apartment building, and the investigation into its cause is still ongoing.
Unanswered Questions Remain
As of Thursday morning, the origin of the fire remains undetermined. Investigators are working to determine whether the blaze started due to electrical issues, a cooking accident, or potential foul play.
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