There were hugs and tears Monday when residents rescued after an explosion in their apartment building met paramedics and firefighters.
Those involved in the rescues of 13 people were lauded for their efforts.
"The apartment just went boom," Dymond Washington, who survived with her two sons and boyfriend. told CBS reporters.
Washington said her only focus was getting her two boys out to safety when they were rattled from sleep.
"All I know is that we were in the air one minute. We were really trapped, we were trapped for like exactly six minutes before EMS came, and we had to find a way to them, and then that's when they realized we could all leave out the window of my neighbor's home," she said.
One man passed away as a result of his injuries from the explosion.
Battalion Chief Percy Warmack said it was a buildup of gas that caused the 12-unit apartment building to go up in flames.
"We go out, and when people are screaming and they need help, we are there to help all the time," he said, adding that he was 'incredibly proud' of their work that day.
Paramedic Dalana Gumina received a hug and a citation for her work-- but she said the hug means more.
"We don't do it for this. We're doing it for the mom and the babies that get to live another day. That's what makes this job great. Knowing that's what happened in this case that is the reward."
