Nov. 9 -- A collapsing building during an early morning fire at a duplex in the South Side’s Gresham neighborhood prompted a mayday call but ended with no serious injuries, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
The fire, called in about 3:15 a.m. Friday, involved heavy flames on the north side of a two-story duplex in the 7800 block of South Sangamon Street, District Chief Dan Cunningham told reporters.
The property was vacant, but squatters had been staying there, according to the fire department. Two women, ages 38 and 41, were taken to St. Bernard Hospital for smoke inhalation and were in good condition, according to police and fire officials.
Burning candles in the vacant building started the fire, which woke up the women, police said.
As firefighters were searching the building, the second floor collapsed and “pancaked” to the first floor, and a mayday was called, according to a tweet form fire department spokesman Larry Langford. A firefighter became trapped. Others got him out, and he was treated at the scene but did not need to be taken to a hospital, officials said.
No arrests had been made.
WGN-TV contributed.
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