Chicago, IL Apartment Building Fire, Sep 1966

SEVEN PERISH IN CHICAGO APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE.

Chicago (UPI) -- Seven persons were trapped and killed early today when fire swept a crowded apartment building. Screaming children were thrown to safety by their parents from the windows
of the burning building.
At least four other persons were injured and rushed to Michael Reese Hospital, where they were reported in fair to satisfactory condition.
"I was woke up by the screaming," said MRS. MARY WILLIAMSON, who lives down the street from the three-story building. "There was a whole lot of screaming and people in the streets."
Fire broke out in the building between 11:30 p.m. and midnight Thursday.
"A lot of kids were being thrown out windows," said EDGAR J. BEDAR, JR., 43, who was putting his car away nearby when he saw smoke rising from the apartment house.
There were reports that a man jumped out of a third-floor window with his child, but they could not be confirmed. When firemen arrived on the scene, they yelled at the screaming risidents not to jump. Many were rescued by ladders.
ROBERT JULUN, who lives across the street, said he had just returned from work when he noticed smoke pouring from the front of the burning building.
A fire ambulance was the first unit on the scene. Ladders were thrown up against the front of the building and residents already were being rescued by the time hoses were hooked up and firemen actually started fighting the fire.
Within an hour, the fire had been extinguished and firemen began searching the charred interior for more victims.

Logansport Pharos Tribune Indiana 1966-09-23

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ARSON IS PROBED IN CHICAGO FIRE THAT KILLED 7.

Chicago (AP) -- Fire officials investigated the possibility of arson Friday in the South Side fire which killed seven persons.
Five adults and two children died in the flames and smoke which flashed quickly through the three story stone apartment building. Police said the victims were trapped in hallways and stairs.
Lt. Phil Kelly of the fire department bomb and arson squad said, "The flames spread so fast, there may have been two separate fires, and that's why we're checking for arson."
Fire Commissioner Robert Quinn said, "The people on the first floor were the first to notice. They ran out."
But then 100 firemen from 18 units used nine engine pumpers, three hook and ladder trucks and two snorkels to extinguish the blaze which ignited shortly before midnight.
Firemen carried many persons down ladders to safety. Several residents leaped from upper-story windows. One, MARVIN SNIPS, 19, jumped from the second floor holding his 1-year-old son in his arms. Both were in good condition at Michael Reese Hospital. Two other persons were admitted
to the hospital with burns.
Police said each of the 12 apartments in the building had two exits.
The fire was the worst in Chicago in terms of lives lost since Dec. 12, 1965, when 13 persons were killed in the flames that swept a West Side tavern
after someone threw gasoline into the place.
The victims of the apartment fire were:
CALVIN WRIGHT, 9, and his cousin, MARY, 5.
MINNIE HALL, 60.
MOSES WRIGHT, 32.
WILLIAM HALL, 65.
WILLIE HALL, 65.
BILL ADAMS, 49.
The fire department said damaged to the building at 314 E. 38th St., was estimated at $15,000.

The Bridgeport Telegram Connecticut 1966-09-24
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!