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7 Rescued From Balconies In Montgomery County Apartment Fire

AUDUBON, Pa., (CBS) – Seven people, including three children, were rescued as flames tore through an apartment complex in Audubon, Montgomery County.

The fire was reported at about 7:43 p.m. at the Audubon Court Apartments in the 2800 block of Egypt Road.

The blaze caught dozens off guard. John Loftus was stunned by the flames and smoke shooting out of windows.

"They broke the window and they were shooting water into the apartment there, trying to get the fire out," he said.

CBS 3 is told fortunately most managed to get out on their own, but seven people, including three children, needed to be rescued from balconies. Resident Shahid Moghel was one of them.

"We went on the balcony and closed the door. We were outside and waiting for the firefighters to come and rescue us," he said.

"As of right now, all the searches appear to be negative. It looks like we have everybody out of the building," Lt. Stan Turtle of Lower Providence Police said.

In all, officials say 75 firefighters from multiple agencies responded. According to the property manager, of the 14 units affected, 12 were occupied and officials are now working with the American Red Cross to find shelter for anyone in need.

"I just hope everyone is okay. That's what I'm concerned about for my tenants that they're okay and anything that we can do to help them out," property manager Diane Krauss said.

Officials say some people were treated for minor injuries including smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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