CINCINNATI — The day after a fire burned through a Paddock Hills apartment building, displaced residents began returning to their charred homes to see what was left.
Seven people were hospitalized and several others — including a firefighter — were treated at the scene after a massive fire broke out in the Park Lane Apartments complex Sunday night. Four people have since been released from the hospital.
Firefighters rescued about 20 people. Sade Adaranijo's dad was among the people they saved.
"He saw the flames coming out, and that's when he realized he had to get out," she said. "And so then, he tried to open the door, but I'm guessing that metal expanded from the heat, and when he tried to pull the knob open, it wouldn't open."
Adaranijo said a neighbor hear her father yelling, and then someone brought over a ladder so he could climb out a window.
Crews were working at the complex Monday to clean the units so residents can get back in. But it may take some time.
In the meantime, the Red Cross is caring for about 15 residents, providing hotel and food vouchers.
Fire officials have not yet said what caused the fire. The damage was estimated at $500,000.
