Two people are fighting for their lives after a fire engulfed part of a South Chicago apartment building late Sunday night, according to police. The Chicago Fire Department responded to the blaze, which was reported around 11:38 p.m. in the 9100 block of South Chicago Avenue.
The flames were discovered in an apartment on the 8th floor, rapidly leading to critical injuries of a 64-year-old man, and a woman whose age was not specified. Both were transported to nearby hospitals in critical condition, as confirmed by the Chicago Police Department and according to ABC7 Chicago.
9177 S. South Chicago apartment fire at about 1130 pm Sunday night. Two people transported critical with life threatening injuries. Couch fire. Fire out by rapid response by CFD using hand pumps with advanced life support care for victims.
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) March 11, 2024
No further injuries were reported from the incident, which drew a fast response from the fire department. Firefighters were able to snuff out the fire, that originated from a couch, using hand pumps equipped with advanced life support to care for the victims. The quick action of the Chicago Fire Department's response likely prevented the fire from causing more harm to other residents in the apartment complex.
The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue. Details emerged from a social media post by CFD Media which highlighted the couch fire, without mentioning any potential leads on what could have sparked the flames. As residents in the building cope with the shock, and uncertainty that such a fire brings, authorities are diligently working to piece together the narrative of how a quiet Sunday night, turned into a near tragedy.
