9 injured, including 1 firefighter, in Bronx fire
NEW YORK -- Fire tore through a Bronx building Friday night, bringing out more than 100 firefighters to battle the flames.
Nine people were hurt, including a firefighter, but as CBS2's Aundrea Cline-Thomas reports, thankfully all of those injuries were described as minor.
Before firefighters arrived, it was good Samaritans stepping up to help residents get to safety.
Cellphone video captured the chaotic moments as Noel Rivera had to escape out of the window onto the awning of a business below as flames and smoke intensified in the apartment.
"I was scared because I thought it was going to blow up. I had to jump," Rivera said.
Around 7:30 p.m., a fire started in the back of the building on East Tremont Avenue near Randall Avenue, engulfing the wooden deck on the second floor that residents would usually use to escape.
"The super's daughter, she knocked on the door she was banging. We were just laying down for a nap," Saydie Bonilla said.
Bonilla's biggest concern was getting her children out. Everyone in the area pitched in to help.
"My wife and my security guard tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher. They kind of contained it, though, before it got even worse," said Chasity Tyson, owner of the Iconic Sports Bar and Lounge.
WATCH: FDNY provides update on Bronx fire
More than 100 firefighters arrived moments later as the flames billowed out of the building. All seven apartments were fully consumed.
"To get the people out, they had to go through the awnings, over the awnings with portable ladders and remove people from the windows," FDNY Battalion Chief Bill Bonasera said.
Eight people escaped with minor injuries, along with one firefighter.
As investigators comb through the property for a cause, residents are reeling, trying to determine what's next.
"My medicine, my money, my clothes, everything. I lost everything," Rivera said.
Rivera also lost pets in the fire.
The Red Cross was on the scene to assist.
In addition to damage to the apartments, the businesses below sustained severe water damage.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
