A devastating fire broke out in a West Ridge apartment building on Friday morning, trapping a 6-year-old boy inside. Three residents tried to rescue the child, but the smoke and flames were too intense.
Neighbors’ Desperate Attempt to Save the Child
Mr. Ahmed, a resident of the building, said he and two neighbors tried to enter the burning apartment, but the thick smoke made it impossible. “We couldn’t save the kid,” he said. “It was a terrible situation.”
The fire started around 11:15 a.m. in a 12-unit apartment building on West Granville Avenue. Firefighters arrived quickly, but the flames had already spread.
Victims and Injuries
The 6-year-old boy tragically lost his life, and a woman was critically injured. The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed the child’s death but has not released his name or details about his relationship with the injured woman.
Two firefighters were also hurt when a stairwell collapsed. One was taken to St. Francis Hospital as a precaution.
Firefighters Battle Intense Flames
Fire officials believe the fire started on the first floor, but the exact cause is still under investigation. They are also checking whether the building had working smoke detectors.
More than 100 firefighters responded, and it took nearly an hour to fully control the fire. The stairwells and rear porches collapsed, making the rescue effort even more dangerous.
Residents Describe the Chaos
Ahmed, who lives in a garden unit, was at home with his 5-year-old son when he noticed a bad smell. He checked his appliances but then heard neighbors screaming.
“As soon as I smelled the smoke, I grabbed my son and ran outside,” he said. His child, who was home sick from school, was in shock and crying.
Jose Sanchez, another resident, saw a badly burned woman screaming about her trapped child. “The whole building was covered in flames,” he said.
Fire Aftermath
Many residents lost everything and were left standing outside in freezing temperatures. The city provided a warming bus, and firefighters handed out hot chocolate.
Zain Abedin, who lives across the street, said the fire spread quickly. “The flames just kept climbing,” he said. “It’s absolutely tragic.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate what caused the fire and ensuring the displaced residents receive support.
