A massive fire erupted in an 18-story residential building in Berlin’s Friedrichshain neighborhood early Friday morning. The blaze began in an apartment on the 11th floor and rapidly spread to the adjacent apartment. Flames were seen shooting from several windows, with thick black smoke engulfing the structure.
Authorities reported a challenging response due to the scale of the fire and the number of people affected. The situation required a considerable deployment of personnel and equipment. The rescue operations included 18 fire engines, two aerial ladder trucks, and nine ambulances.
One woman’s daring escape was caught on video. She was seen scaling the exterior of her apartment on the 11th floor, navigating a narrow window ledge while surrounded by flames. Below her, a firefighter with a turntable ladder attempted to reach her with a rescue basket.
Despite the danger, the woman managed to leap two stories down into the rescue basket. She was promptly caught by the firefighter and sustained only minor injuries. Police confirmed she was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Overall, the fire impacted 115 residents. Emergency crews successfully rescued or evacuated 25 people using fire-escape hoods and ladders. Thirteen individuals suffered minor injuries, with some requiring further medical attention at nearby hospitals.
The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue.
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