Chicago Police Officers Run Into Massive Apartment Fire To Evacuate Building
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Three Chicago police officers were hurt this weekend while saving residents from a burning apartment in Bronzeville.
As CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reported, the officers rushed in before Chicago firefighters arrived. They knocked on doors to wake people sleeping inside before the smoke and flames overwhelmed them.
The fire broke out Sunday night in a three-story apartment building at 4820 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Four other people were also hurt in addition to the three officers.
Despite a massive amount of smoke, witnesses said the officers ran into the burning building trying to get people out.
"Piece of the roof were falling on our head," said Diana Pierce. "It hit me and I think it hit some of the officers realized something was going on, but we could not see going down the stairs."
Video showed the heavy flames coming from the roof of the building, but firefighters believe the fire actually started in the basement before quickly spreading to the upper floors.
Pierce has lived on the third floor for the past 19 years. She woke up Saturday night t officers yelling, pounding, and kicking at her door.
She said had it not been for the officer who grabbed her arm and led her out, she would not be here today.
"They saved me. They rescued me. That's what they did," Pierce said. "You know, I don't even want to think about what could have happened."
Pierce said one of the officers actually collapsed at the scene.
All three officers and four residents – including a 5-year-old boy – suffered smoke inhalation and were rushed to hospitals.
The boy was in good condition and being treated at Mercy Hospital Saturday morning.
The officers were still recovering late Sunday, but were in good condition at the emergency room.
Meanwhile, the building, which property listings indicate was built in 1905, was reduced to a burned-out shell. Firefighters were not saying Sunday what triggered the extra-alarm blaze, but they said it is not suspicious.
CBS 2's Vi Nguyen contributed to this report.
