Chicago

Firefighter Seriously Injured After ‘Mayday' Called in South Side Blaze

A firefighter was in serious condition after being pulled from a South Side building following a "mayday" call Wednesday afternoon. 

Chicago Fire Media tweeted a mayday for a lost firefighter was called around 1:30 p.m. in the 4300 block of King Drive in the Bronzeville neighborhood. 

The fire was reported on the fourth floor of an apartment building, where a firefighter became "disoriented" in heavy smoke and was separated from his company. 

"When they got to the fourth floor they realized the heavy smoke was starting to bank down on them," said Deputy Fire Commissioner William Vogt.

The firefighter, who has more than 25 years of service, according to Vogt, was ultimately pulled out of the building in serious condition and taken to Stroger Hospital. He suffered smoke inhalation, Vogt said. 

Less than 30 minutes later, fire officials said all other members were accounted for and no other injuries were reported. 

Eight people were displaced and part of the building had collapsed, Vogt said. 

Further information on what happened was not immediately available. 

Check back for details on this developing story. 

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