WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Fast-moving flames tore through four apartments in a West Chester complex Monday, forcing 39 tenants out of their homes and sending three to the hospital with minor injuries.
Wind rapidly spread the fire that started on the second floor of Meadow Ridge Apartments throughout the complex; workers Monday night were busy boarding up windows and patching the roof while occupants boarded with friends or the American Red Cross.
"We didn't even know how it happened," said 11-year-old Brighton Odai, who said he had seen a third-floor tenant jump from her window to escape the fire.
NEW VIDEO: Flames tear through Meadow Ridge apartments in #WestChester. Fire officials say 3 people hurt & girl jumped out window @WCPO pic.twitter.com/NDVHIKEqtJ
— John Genovese (@JEGenovese) March 20, 2017
Patricia Vargas said her family lost everything in the fire. Her son Brian Montiel translated from Spanish on her behalf when she spoke to WCPO.
"She said that she got out of the apartment and then saw fire on top of the roof," Montiel said. "(She's wondering about) a lot of things, like what's going to happen? What's she going to do?"
West Chester Fire Chief Rick Prinz said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The three people injured in the fire had suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns, but were expected to recover.
