At least 18 people were left homeless Wednesday after a fire destroyed a building that housed some mentally disabled people, officials said.
Residents were able to flee the building before it was engulfed in flames late Tuesday night, authorities said.
Firefighters responded to the fire in a commercial and residential building at 7662 W. 62nd St. about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The fire apparently started in the basement of the L-shaped building that had offices on the ground level and apartments above, Summit Fire Chief John Nemeth said.
Natural gas fed the blaze after a wall and the building’s roof collapsed, breaking gas lines, Nemeth said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
The building recently was remodeled and some work still was being done on the exterior, Nemeth said.
More Top Picks Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players
The American Red Cross helped residents with shelter, medicine and clothing.