1 dead, several hurt in suburban Philadelphia apartment fire
One resident died and at least three people were injured in an overnight fire that collapsed part of a 140-year-old apartment building in suburban Philadelphia.
Firefighters used long ladders to rescue residents from windows and fire escapes on the upper floors of the 5-story, 30-unit Norris Apartments in Norristown early Wednesday.
Officials say the fire started around 12:45 a.m. and burned out of control in 20-degree temperatures for more than four hours.
A firefighter suffered a minor hand injury. One resident was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Another resident was treated for an unspecified medical condition.
About two dozen residents were displaced. They were initially taken to a SEPTA bus and then to a temporary shelter at Norristown High School.
Norristown is about 16 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia.
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