Two people rushed to hospital after jumping from second floor window during structure fire

Two people rushed to hospital after jumping from second floor window during structure fire

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Two people were critically injured Sunday morning after jumping from a second-story window to escape a house fire on the city's Near East Side.

Engines were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. to a three-story, two-family residence at 1068-1070 E. Fulton St., according to Columbus Division of Fire PIO Lt. Nick Davis.

Crews arrived to find two victims who had jumped from the second floor and suffering from burns.

Firefighters rescued the pair, and medics transported both to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in critical condition.

Approximately five other residents were inside the building when the fire broke out, Davis said. All five managed to escape safely and did not require hospitalization.

Multiple neighbors reportedly called 911 to alert dispatchers of the blaze.

Firefighters remain on the scene, and investigators are sifting through debris to determine the exact cause of the fire.

UPDATE: Columbus Fire has confirmed that a smoldering cigarette bin caused the fire and urges residents to please exercise caution when disposing of any smokables.