1 man dead, another hurt after apartment fire in southwest suburban Chicago
HICKORY HILLS, Ill. (CBS) – One man died and another was injured after an apartment fire in the southwest suburbs overnight.
The fire broke out inside the nine-unit apartment building around 1:40 a.m., in the 8700 block of South 80th Court in Hickory Hills.
Firefighters from the Roberts Park Fire Prevention District and several surrounding suburbs responded, and found two men inside the kitchen. Both men were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where one was pronounced dead and the other was listed in serious condition.
Officials believe the two men were trying to escape the fire.
"We removed them immediately, performed CPR on one, and transported the other to the hospital immediately," said Robert Park Fire Prevention District Chief Jeff Ketchen.
Video of the fire showed flames shooting out from a window on the side of the building. Ash from the smoke could be seen stretching from a window to the upper floor. The bottom floor appeared to be the most impacted by the blaze.
The fire was struck out around 4 a.m. Officials said the building was left uninhabitable, and everyone else had to relocate. It was unclear how many people were displaced. Six of the nine units were occupied when the fire broke out.
Areana Richmond, who has lived in the building for two years, said it's the second time she's been left homeless due to a fire. The first time happened in an apartment in Addison.
"See, my mind right now is blank. I don't know. I can't even think straight," she said.
Richmond said she'll stay with her sister for the time being.
Another tenant, who didn't want to go on camera, also said they'll stay with family. The Red Cross was helping other tenants find places to stay.
Hickory Hills police say preliminary investigation revealed the fire started in a bedroom due to cigarette smoking.
Investigation into the fire remains ongoing.
Anyone affected by the fire who is no longer at the scene can call 800-RED-CROSS for assistance.