Five-Alarm Chicago Skyscraper Fire

[nystate]

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_341202525.html

CHICAGO (CBS 2) Firefighters battled a four-alarm blaze Monday night in a downtown high-rise, where flames could be seen shooting from the windows.

The fire was reported about 6:3 0 p.m. on possibly the 29th floor of the building of the LaSalle Bank headquarters at 135 South LaSalle Street. There are 45 floors in the building.

CBS 2's Dave Savini reports Chicago firefighters are in the building conducting searches, and additional fire engines and ambulances are still being called to the scene. At least three people were put into ambulances.

CBS 2 crews report seeing people being taken from the scene of the fire to receive aid after suffering from smoke inhalation.

One man who escaped from the building says the stairwells were filled with smoke. He told CBS 2 that he fears his friends are still trapped on the 35th floor.

There were early reports that people in the upper floors were sticking their heads out the windows to get air.

[depotoo]

i hope not many were in it! was it a residence building as well as a bank? if not then maybe there weren't many there at night. i sure hope not.

[nystate]

Well, the Chicago Fire Dept. has made some rescues, so it is unclear if anyone is still trapped in the building. Nevertheless, the fire has been upgraded to a five-alarm blaze.

[vbhoutex]

As breakikng news on our TV jsut now-at least 18 taken to hospitals with two firefighters in serious condition. Flames still coming out of the building on the 29th floor of the 45 story building.

[Brent]

25 people, including 12 firefighters hospitalized, none seriously, mostly smoke inhalation. They believe everyone is now out.