A fire quickly spread through an apartment complex in Marietta early Saturday, forcing several families to jump and throw toddlers from second-story balconies.
According to Channel 2 Action News, fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, which started about 5 a.m. at the Marquise View Apartments on Franklin Road.
Crews say the blaze started in one apartment on the lower level and spread to nine others, according to the television station.
One family awoke to smoke and flames and hurried out to safety, Channel 2 reported. Some made it out of the front door, but others were forced to jump from a second-story balcony.
Once they escaped, they rushed to help others.
“The fire was so bad they had to bust the window out and they started throwing the children down, which thank God I was there to help catch the children and they made it out pretty safe,” resident Terry Vereen told Channel 2. “Everybody made it out safe and sound.”
The family says four people went to the hospital with minor injuries caused by jumping from their balcony, Channel 2 reported.
The fire eventually hit a firewall and died.
Part of the top floor of the complex is completely gone, Channel 2 reported. Residents say the blaze destroyed about 10 apartments.
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