‘I pulled him out, I heard more screaming’
As the flames began to engulf the building, chaos erupted on the street. Witnesses described a scene of panic as people rushed to help those trapped inside. Among them was Mark Evans, who had been walking nearby when he noticed smoke pouring from a window.
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“I saw the smoke and heard shouting,” Evans recalled. “Without thinking, I ran towards the entrance. The heat was intense, but I could see someone struggling near the doorway.”
Braving the Fire
Evans managed to reach the front of the building, where he found a young boy coughing and disoriented. “I grabbed him and pulled him out,” he said. “But as soon as we got clear, I heard more screaming from inside.”
Despite the danger, Evans attempted to re-enter the building, but thick smoke forced him back. “It was impossible to see anything. The fire was spreading so quickly,” he explained.
Emergency Response
Firefighters arrived within minutes, battling the blaze as onlookers anxiously watched. Crews worked swiftly to rescue several people still inside, using ladders to reach those trapped on upper floors.
- Three people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
- One person was taken to hospital with minor burns.
- No fatalities were reported.
Authorities praised the quick response of both emergency services and bystanders. “Their actions made a real difference,” said Fire Chief Laura Bennett. “Without their help, the outcome could have been much worse.”
Investigation Underway
Officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Early reports suggest it may have started in a ground-floor kitchen, but the exact circumstances remain unclear.
Residents who were displaced by the fire have been offered temporary accommodation, and local charities are providing support. “We’re just grateful everyone made it out safely,” said one resident.
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