Crowds of people were gathered outside a Hyde Park apartment building Tuesday morning as firefighters hosed down the top floor of the 4-story building from an overnight extra alarm fire that left one resident in critical condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
More than 250 firefighters responded to the 3-11 fire at 5130 S. Kenwood Ave. that neighbors said started around 3 a.m. The streets were flooded with water Tuesday morning, and visible piles of household items could be seen from the second floor window of the building.
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The department reported that one occupant was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
Neighbor Kathleen Joshua has lived in the neighborhood since the 1970s. She said she first heard the commotion around 3:30 a.m., and thought she might be in danger herself because there was so much smoke.
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“I always loved that building. It’s so beautiful,” she said as she came outside to watch the firefighters work.
She said she had seen the resident who was injured in the fire, an elderly woman, around the neighborhood many times.
“I know she was hurt. I hope she makes it, ” Joshua said. “I hope somebody takes care of her after this.”
Check back for updates.
