Five people were hospitalized, and residents were displaced after an explosion led to a devastating fire at an apartment building in Cleveland's Garden Valley neighborhood, according to the Cleveland Division of Fire.
"We ended up with 22 companies total on scene, so we had a big response," said Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman.
Now, all that remains are busted windows, a collapsed structure and lost memories for people like Jania Williams.
“I was already homeless before I had stayed down here so this was like a little escape like actually having like a breath of fresh air,” said Williams.
Before Monday’s fire, Williams said she and her son were enjoying the day at the zoo until she received a call from her friend Darnella Garner.
“When I got here, I seen her house on fire and that’s what really put the icing on the cake when I actually seen the flames coming out the roof. I’m like 'Oh my God,'” said Garner.
Firefighters reported receiving a call around 4 p.m. regarding an explosion at an apartment building near E. 70th Street and Garden Valley Avenue. Upon arrival, they saw a massive hole in the side of the building.
Que Willis said he heard a loud noise and then saw the flames.
“I see like apartments like on fire. I’m talking about four, five apartments blew up,” said Willis.
Five people were transported to a nearby hospital by EMS; their conditions are unknown at this time.
"I don’t have the status on them right now, but I think they are in pretty serious condition," said Norman.
Two dogs and a cat were also rescued from the building, Cleveland Fire said.
After about two hours of battling the flames, firefighters declared the fire a controlled burn and said they would conduct a third search for victims once the fire is extinguished.
"The challenge with a fire that’s underneath the roof is the roof itself. The roof does what a roof does. It repels the water and keeps the water from hitting the fire," said Norman.
Cleveland Fire said over 60 firefighters from 22 different companies responded to the fire.
According to the fire department, the fire resulted in a $3.5 million loss. The American Red Cross deployed its Disaster Action Team members, who have established a short-term shelter at the Zelma George Recreation Center, located at 3155 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Cleveland, for those displaced.
"When I got the call about the explosion, I immediately jumped up and came to find out what is going on because we’re going to need some help," said Councilman Richard Starr.
Monday evening, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb released the following statement regarding the fire:
This afternoon, a fire broke out in the Garden Valley neighborhood, resulting in significant damage to several homes. The firefighters and first responders worked tirelessly to contain the fire and acted quickly to protect residents and preserve property. We extend our heartfelt concern to those affected by this incident, especially to the individuals who sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital.
The city is actively supporting the situation and is in coordination with local partners to ensure that those impacted receive the necessary support and resources during this challenging time. The American Red Cross also established the Zelma George Recreation Center as a temporary shelter for residents displaced by the fire. The city will continue to coordinate efforts with local organizations to assist those impacted by this tragedy as needed.
The fire is still under investigation, and News 5 is working to learn more.
