A harrowing incident unfolded in Lincoln as a woman bravely leaped from a third-floor window to escape a ferocious fire on Monday afternoon, resulting in a severe leg injury.
Manville Fire Chief Robert Bradley recounted the intensity of the blaze, describing the upper floors engulfed in flames. “The second and third floors were nothing but a fireball,” he stated to WPRI, painting a vivid picture of the dangerous situation.
Neighbor George Moussa, recognizing the urgent need to assist, sprang into action upon seeing the woman perilously hanging halfway out of the window.
“We held a mattress up and told her, ‘Jump, don’t worry we’ll catch you,'” he recounted, reflecting on the critical moment. Moussa’s quick thinking and compassion provided crucial support to the woman in distress.
Despite the courageous escape, the ordeal did not end without further injuries. Two other residents on the second floor sustained minor burns, highlighting the widespread impact of the fire.
As authorities work diligently to determine the cause of the blaze, which cast a visible glow across the surrounding area, questions linger about the circumstances leading to the devastating incident. The investigation into the fire remains ongoing, underscoring the importance of understanding its origins to prevent future tragedies.