Officials: Apartment fire leaves 1 dead, 2 injured in Southwest Philadelphia
Flames broke out just after 7 a.m. on the 8500 block of Lindbergh Boulevard.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One person is dead and two others injured after an apartment fire Saturday in Southwest Philadelphia.
Flames broke out just after 7 a.m. on the 8500 block of Lindbergh Boulevard.
Fire officials say they arrived to heavy fire conditions showing from the first floor of the building. Victims on the second floor managed to escape by jumping from windows to safety.
Authorities confirm the fire spread to four units.
The two injured victims were taken to Presbyterian Medical Center and are in stable condition.
"It's sad, tragic," said Kevin Harmer, a neighbor.
Officials say even though the smoke alarms worked- the fire was fast-moving.
One resident said neighbors banded together to catch little children jumping from the second floor.
"Just neighbors trying to catch them, they see everything," said neighbor Joseph Ramirez.
Ramirez says he tried to help one of those children afterward.
"Little girl said I don't have a home anymore, so we offered them pop tarts and cereal bars," said Ramirez.
Officials say the fire claimed the life of a 27-year-old man.
"We do know that occupant was seated in a chair on the first floor," said Rob Wilkins, assistant fire chief with Philadelphia Fire Department.
The death has shaken up the community.
"Just a horrible way to go out," added Ramirez. "Didn't even get a chance to live his life."
The Red Cross says it's assisting 12 displaced people.
There is no word yet on what may have sparked the blaze.
