CHICAGO, IL – Tragedy struck early this morning on the West Side as a fire engulfed an apartment building, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The Chicago Police Department is on the scene, gathering shell casings, while investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also present, indicating the possibility of foul play.
The Cook County Medical Examiner has confirmed the fatalities but has yet to determine if the victims were adults or children. In total, six individuals were transported to nearby hospitals—four children and two adults—with three in critical condition, suggesting they may have experienced cardiac arrest during transit.
The fire erupted just before 2 a.m. in the Austin neighborhood, near North Avenue and Latrobe. Flames quickly consumed the building, gutting the entire third floor. Emergency crews responded swiftly, deploying multiple hose lines and eight ladders to rescue residents, including five who were pulled from windows. Others managed to escape via stairs or by jumping to safety.
Among those hospitalized is an 87-year-old man, whose family reports that he is now recovering. A resident described the harrowing scene, waking to the sound of breaking glass and flames before managing to flee the building.
The Red Cross has stepped in to assist at least 28 displaced residents, providing support as they face the aftermath of the blaze. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but the presence of ATF investigators suggests a potential arson investigation is underway.
Despite repeated inquiries, Chicago Police have been reticent to confirm their role, yet their collection of shell casings and placement of evidence markers along North Avenue hint at a broader scope of investigation. As the situation develops, authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to this devastating incident.