3 People Dead, 3 Injured In A West Ridge Fire Early Thursday

A significant fire in a West Ridge apartment building early Thursday resulted in three fatalities and three injuries. The incident began around 1:50 a. m. in the 7000 Block of North Rockwell Street, leading to a rapid response from emergency services. Three men were pronounced dead at the scene, while a woman was transported to St.

Francis Hospital in critical condition. A teenage girl and young boy were also hospitalized, although their current conditions are not known. The fire department extinguished the blaze by 5 a. m. , with the cause under investigation and smoking being a considered factor.

Residents remain evacuated due to unsafe conditions, including burned staircases and collapsed roof sections. One resident reported escaping through a window after hearing alarms, while others used ladders provided by firefighters. The loss of life and injuries underscore the urgency for fire safety awareness in residential buildings.