WASHINGTON — Seven people are hospitalized after one unit in Greenleaf Senior Apartments caught fire in D.C. Saturday morning.
D.C. Fire and EMS said the fire happened at 1200 Delaware Ave Southwest.
When officials arrived, they battled heavy fire in a first-floor apartment in an eight-story building attempting to rescue a man and woman.
Lt. Ralph Thompson and other crews from Engine 13 and truck 10 recount the moments of getting on elderly couple out. "I got to him I couldn't see him, and I'm guessing it was the man because I couldn't see either one. All I know is that he grabbed onto it, and could tell that his desperation of panic, definitely set in but by the grip that he gave me," Thomspon said.
Barred windows made the rescue difficult, "We needed to remove those bars to successfully rescue them out," Thompson added.
Officials said the man and woman were trapped in a smoke and heat-filled apartment. Fire officials said as firefighters were working to remove the bars from the apartment windows, one firefighter held the man's hand and ensured he would be saved.
The woman collapsed shortly after, fire officials said.
Both victims were taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
A third victim was transported to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Beverly Jackson said she lives on the eighth floor of this senior citizen building and was able to get out after someone knocked on her door to let her know she needed to evacuate.
"I have arthritis in my knees, so I just took my time. I was able to do that," Jackson said.
1200 Delaware Ave SW fire
There were approximately 80 firefighters that responded to the scene. There have been no reports of fire official injuries.
Officials said others were being evaluated on the scene.
Fire officials said a door closed to the apartment bedroom where two people were trapped protected them from much worse fire and smoke.
Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire. Fire officials did