Five people hurt in Des Plaines apartment fire

Five people were hospitalized with injuries suffered in an apartment fire early Wednesday morning in Des Plaines, according to Des Plaines Fire Chief Matt Matzl.

Firefighters were called to the three-story, 12-unit apartment complex on the 1200 block of Harding Avenue for a report of an explosion just before 1 a.m.

Heavy fire was visible upon arrival, Matzl said.

Multiple rescues were made by firefighters and neighbors.

The extent of injuries to those transported is unknown at this time. Matzl said seven others refused treatment at the scene.

It took firefighters more than four hours to bring the fire under control. Matzl said firefighters kept finding hot spots in the roof area.

Investigators remained at the scene later Wednesday and are still working to determine the cause of the fire. No area of origin has been determined, Matzl said.

All 12 units were rendered uninhabitable. No damage estimate was available Wednesday.