A massive fire in a 21-story building in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district caused moments of panic on Friday as residents tried to escape the flames. The fire broke out around a.m. in an apartment on the 11th floor and then spread to the apartment above it. The situation became particularly dramatic for a woman on the 11th floor.
The fire department’s revolving ladder could not reach that height, so she was forced to jump into the rescue basket at the top of the ladder. The operation was described by firefighters as “dramatic,” writes welt. Footage shows the dangerous moment as rescue teams try to position the basket so the resident can escape the burning building.
According to initial reports, several other residents in the building were also considering jumping out of windows to escape the flames and smoke. All residents of the building were evacuated. Initial reports indicate several people were injured. The Associated Press reported about five injured, while other local reports have given higher figures, so the final number is not yet clear.
Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control in less than three hours. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and authorities have launched an investigation to clarify it. /Telegraph