ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Emergency crews battled a six-alarm fire at an apartment complex at 5900 Babcock Boulevard in Ross Township Thursday evening.
The call came in at 7:44 p.m.
911 dispatchers confirmed eight people, including two firefighters who suffered smoke inhalation, were transported to area hospitals. Others were being evaluated at the scene. Channel 11 was told none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
As many as 100 firefighters and 25 ambulances are believed to have responded.
Residents who have been displaced are gathering at the nearby Christ Episcopal Church, where Red Cross disaster action teams and the Salvation Army are assisting. Animal Freinds took in three cats.
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Despite their troubles, some residents say they are just happy to be alive.
“The smoke, it’s like walking into a dark cloud and you can’t see anything and you’re starting to choke,” said one resident who escaped with his wife, “luckily I just had to go two flights of steps but I was holding on to the railing and I made it out the back door.”
Firefighters belive the fire started in the basement and made its way to the attic.
Channel 11 crews report traffic restrictions in the area.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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