Officials report 7 injuries in fire at Joliet apartment building on North Essington Road, prompting closure of roadway

In Joliet, Illinois, seven individuals sustained injuries in a fire that broke out in an apartment building on Tuesday morning, according to fire officials.

The incident prompted Joliet fire crews to quickly respond to the 100-block of North Essington Road at around 8:15 a.m. after receiving a distress call about an apartment fire where residents were trapped.

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Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a challenging scene as heavy flames were observed emanating from one of the upper units of the three-story building.

Three people were on a balcony, and were rescued.

Fire officials said there was heavy fire in the building’s attic.

Seven residents were treated on the scene for minor injuries, fire officials said.

The fire was under control after 9:20 a.m.

The Joliet Office of Emergency and Disaster Management is coordinating the relocation of displaced residents.

Chopper 7 was over the scene, and flames could be seen shooting from the building’s roof. There appeared to be severe damage to the building.

Dozens of firefighters responded to the scene, and remained there before noon.

Joliet police said all lanes of Essington Road are closed between Twin Oaks Drive and Glenwood Avenue due to the fire.

Motorists are encouraged to consider an alternate route, police said.