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Early Morning Fire Kills Child

Last updated on Sunday, December 9, 2012

(INDIANAPOLIS) - An early morning fire rips through a west side apartment building, claiming the life of one child and forcing others to jump out windows.

About 15 people lived in the five-unit building at 1833 W. Washington St., most of whom were sleeping when the fire broke out around 3:30 Saturday morning, according to IFD PIO Rita Burris. They woke in a panic, four jumping from second story windows to escape the flames.

The smoke and fire was so thick in one apartment, despite her trying, a mother could not rescue her 7-year-old son from the burning building. She escaped without him. Two IMPD officers who arrived before firefighters tried to go in and save the boy, but they couldn't even enter the apartment, hit with the wall of smoke and fire. Firefighters arrived, went in and pulled the child out, but it was too late. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

One firefighter was injured, with steam burns to his leg and face. He went to Methodist but his injuries are reportedly slight.

Five people were transported to Wishard.

No word yet on what caused the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

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