A fire engulfed an occupied apartment building on Trinity Pl. NW late last night, prompting a response from the Canton Fire Department.
The fire, which started in a basement apartment, quickly spread, filling the entire structure with thick smoke and making it challenging for residents on the upper floors to escape.
At approximately 11:44 pm, emergency crews arrived at the scene to find flames in the basement unit and dense smoke billowing throughout the building.
Firefighters rescued two individuals trapped on the second floor who had been forced to seek safety near their windows.
One male occupant, who was pulled to safety from the apartment where the fire originated, sustained life-threatening injuries. He was immediately rushed to Cleveland Clinic Mercy hospital for medical attention.
Fortunately, two other occupants suffered only non-life-threatening injuries and were treated on-site by paramedics.
The Red Cross is assisting families of the unit.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Canton Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau.
Further updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.