Child Rescued, Tossed to Missouri Firefighters

A two-alarm blaze at a Northland apartment building forced residents to jump off balconies to safety, KMBC TV 9 reported. One couple had to toss their baby to firefighters from the second floor.

Neighbors said they could hear screams for help from the balconies while fire raced through the Forest Park Apartments.

The couple and their baby were taken to a hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, authorities said.

Neighbors reported that others jumped as well. One man was beaten back by flames after he ran inside to see if his brother was safe and able to get out of their second-floor apartment, KMBC TV 9 reported.

Six apartments were destroyed, and another six were damaged, authorities said.

Two firefighters were taken to the hospital for minor burns, and another resident was taken and treated for smoke inhalation, authorities said.

The damage is estimated to total $1.5 million, and $250,000 in lost contents.

Neighbors said they're grateful no one was killed.

Officials have not yet released information on the cause of the fire. Occupants reported they heard smoke detectors going off before the blaze.

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