Truck driver credited with rescue of 2 in Carey fire

6/27/2007

CAREY, Ohio - A dump truck driver pulled up to a burning 12-unit apartment building, climbed on top of his truck, and rescued two people trapped in a second-story unit, according to a neighbor who watched the rescue yesterday morning.

The fire destroyed the two-story brick apartment building, officials said.

The two people were hanging out the window and screaming when the dump truck pulled alongside the building, said Henry Cole, who lives across the street.

The driver left before anyone could ask his name, Mr. Cole said.

Two people, whose names were not released, were flown to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. A firefighter was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

The fire was reported shortly before 8 a.m. at Vance and South streets, two blocks south of the downtown, authorities said.

Hot spots and smoke made investigation of the scene difficult late in the afternoon. The building was ordered to be razed, said Shane Cartmill, spokesman for the state fire marshal.