3 Officers Injured While Rescuing Elderly Woman From House Fire
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Three Philadelphia police officers were injured while rescuing an elderly woman from a burning home in South Philadelphia Friday night.
The incident was reported shortly before 6:30 p.m. at the 3200 block of Chaucer Street, near the NovaCare Complex.
"I just watched it travel through. It was scary to see," eyewitness Donna Rabenn said.
"The cops responded quick. They kicked in the door and tried to help the lady out. It was crazy," eyewitness Mike Beverly said.
Three 17th District police officers on patrol in the area responded quickly, entering the burning home, making their way to the elderly woman still trapped inside.
"The first arriving companies found heavy fire second floor rear. Fire was extended up the back, it extended up into the attic area," Deputy Chief Joe McGraw, Philadelphia Fire Department said.
"It was an older woman and I was here when they pulled her out. She didn't even know her house was on fire," Rabenn said.
The officers were taken to Methodist Hospital for treatment and released.
The woman was also taken to Methodist Hospital. Her condition is unknown at this time.
Firefighters placed the fire under control at 7:28 p.m.
Four units along the block were heavily damaged.
The American Red Cross is responding to help five adults displaced by the blaze.
The Fire Marshal is on scene investigating the cause.
Stay with CBSPhilly.com for the latest information on this developing story…
