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Good Samaritans Rescue 2 From West Side Fire

CHICAGO (CBS) - Good Samaritans rescued two people from a burning building on the city's West Side Monday morning.

The fire broke out in the basement at 3413 W. Harrison St. Two people were rescued by civilians before the Fire Department arrived.

Two men on their way to work spotted the fire. They rushed out and were able to help another man already in the process of rescuing a woman from the burning building.

Another elderly woman in a wheelchair, who lives on the second floor, was also pulled to safety after getting stuck in a stairwell.

Good Samaritan Will Johnson says he was just glad he was there to help.

"It's a thrill and a rush. You think of it as if it's your family," said Johnson. "If it's your family that's there, you just think, it just happens. It's a reaction, it's that moment, and you just go real fast. You don't want to see anyone hurt ever."

One of the women rescued was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition from the scene, fire officials said.

Fire officials say the fire began in the basement of the three-flat. No word yet on a cause.

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