Dozens Displaced After Fire Rips Through Apartment Complex In Gloucester Township
BLACKWOOD, NJ. (CBS) -- Dozens of residents were forced out into the cold after fire ripped through an apartment complex in Camden County, New Jersey.
Flames broke out shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday at the Lakeview Apartment Complex in the 500 block of Lower Landing Road in Blackwood, Gloucester Township.
Officials say the fire quickly spread to several apartment buildings, leaving some people trapped inside.
"[There was] fire everywhere. It was ridiculously high," said Ray Hamilton, a resident in one of the buildings not affected by the fire. "Explosions and all. Gas tanks were exploding."
Cell phone video from a resident showed just how bad the fire was. (*WARNING: Video contains some graphic language)
Fire crews were able to force their way inside and evacuate numerous adults and children safely.
"Stuff can be replaced, but family members, loved ones can't," Hamilton said. "So that's the most important part that they got out."
The fire spread to three alarms before crews from eight different towns were able to extinguish it.
Authorities say there were no injuries but approximately 50 residents from several apartment buildings were displaced by the blaze. The American Red Cross was assisting those in need of shelter.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but authorities say it appears to be accidental.