Caution: Profanity.
By Cliff Pinckard
cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio — A reported explosion Monday at an East Side apartment complex set off a massive fire, sending five people to the hospital and leading to the dramatic rescue of a baby who was dropped to onlookers by a woman from a third-floor window.
Two children, ages 10 and 11, were taken to MetroHealth Medical Center in serious condition from the scene on the 7000 block of Garden Valley Avenue, according to cleveland.com/Plain Dealer news partner WKYC Channel 3. A 30-year-old man was in critical condition, a 39-year-old man in serious condition, and a 38-year-old woman in stable condition, WKYC reports.
Fire department officials say the first firefighters on the scene at about 4:15 p.m. rescued a woman trapped on the third floor, moments after she had dropped her baby to people below as smoke billowed from her window. The rescue was recorded and posted on social media.
Another resident tied bedsheets together and climbed down from a third-floor window, the fire department says. Two dogs and a cat also were rescued. The cat was taken to West Park Animal Hospital.
The fire department says 22 companies and more than 60 firefighters responded. No injuries to firefighters were reported.
After the explosion, the fire spread between the ceiling and the roof of the building’s top floor, officials say. The building has 44 units.
Video from the scene shows smoke and flames pouring from the building as firefighters worked in very hot and humid conditions, with temperatures in the mid-90s and a heat index around 100 degrees.
It’s estimated the fire caused $3.5 million in damages. The cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation.
A statement from the city of Cleveland says officials are working to help residents impacted by the fire. The American Red Cross is using the Zelma George Recreation Center at 3155 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive as a temporary shelter for residents.
“We extend our heartfelt concern to those affected by this incident, especially to the individuals who sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital,” the statement says. “The city will continue to coordinate efforts with local organizations to assist those impacted by this tragedy as needed.”
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