Rescuers catch child tossed from window of burning apartment building following explosion

CLEVELAND (WOIO/Gray News) - An apartment building explosion in Cleveland has left three adults and two children hurt.

The fire and explosion broke out around 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Rainbow Terrace Apartments in the city’s Garden Valley neighborhood.

As smoke billowed from the building, people took action to rescue others still needing to escape.

In a video obtained by 19 News, a woman tosses a small child from a second-story window to rescuers down below. Moments later, that same group flagged down firefighters with a ladder to help the woman.

The fire has left more than 100 people scrambling to find a place to live. The Division of Fire is estimating $3.5 million in damages.

Monday’s fire happened as Cleveland faces a heat wave, bringing the hottest temperatures of the year to the area.

Fire officials said a 33-year-old remains in critical condition, with two other adults in stable condition. A 10-year-old and an 11-year-old child are currently in serious condition.

Cleveland city officials are coordinating with the American Red Cross and other organizations to provide help to all the people impacted by the fire.

Officials say clothing, hygiene products, toiletries, diapers and non-perishable donations are being accepted at the Garden Valley Apartments Office and CornUcopia Place.

Firefighters continued to battle hot spots while rescuing animals after initially extinguishing the flames.

So far, firefighters have saved several dogs, two cats, four turtles and a lizard.

People needing assistance with reunification can contact the Division of Animal Care and Control at 216-664-3069 to reclaim their animal.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.