Times Staff Report

EAST CHICAGO | At least two people died in an explosion and fire in an East Chicago apartment building Friday night, firefighters said.

Three people jumped from the second story apartment at 1301 E. Columbus Drive to escape the fire, and five others needed to be rescued by East Chicago firefighters.

East Chicago firefighter Paul Russell was also injured during the rescue.

The blaze engulfed the building by the time East Chicago police arrived at 8 p.m. Officers tried to kick down the door and get inside, but the fire's heat was too intense.

East Chicago Fire Chief Valeriano Gomez said heavy smoke slowed firefighters' attempts to reach those trapped inside. They pulled two people from one bedroom, two from the bathroom and another person from an adjacent room, he said.

All of the victims were taken to area hospitals. Gomez said two were pronounced dead at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.