Dec. 11--Two people were injured, one seriously, when fire damaged an apartment unit in the Glen Lea area of eastern Henrico County early this morning.
Henrico fire Capt. James Mellon said the fire was reported at 12:01 a.m. at a duplex unit in the 3700 block of Bolling Road.
A man found unconscious inside the unit was taken to VCU Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition, Mellon said. A neighbor who tried to rescue the victim before firefighters arrived was treated at the scene for minor injuries, Mellon said.
Mellon said the first firefighters on scene were met by neighbors who said someone was still inside. Firefighters quickly found the victim, got him out and declared the fire under control in 17 minutes.
The neighbor who was slightly injured told authorities he was in his apartment when the lights began to flicker. When he got up to investigate he heard a smoke alarm going off in the adjoining unit, so he went outside and discovered the fire.
Mellon said the neighbor told authorities he called 911 and then tried to find the victim, first by breaking out a window and then by busting in the front door, only to be met by smoke that was so thick it prevented him from entering.
The fire damage was contained to the apartment where it originated, Mellon said.
The cause was under investigation.
Copyright 2012 - Richmond Times-Dispatch, Va.
