NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- A frantic knock at the door may have helped save lives after a massive fire in New Albany, Indiana, Wednesday night.
No one was seriously injured in the massive fire that engulfed the Kingsfield Apartments on Mills Lane. Witnesses said the fire started in a downstairs unit and quickly spread throughout the complex. A post on the New Albany Fire Department's Facebook page said crews arrived within three minutes to find heavy fire on all floors of the two-story building.Â
"I was sleeping, and I just happened to wake up and I smelled smoke," said Michael Roberts, who was a victim of the fire.
Roberts woke up to his apartment surrounded by smoke and flames.
Michael Roberts jumped from a balcony to a burning bush to escape an apartment fire in New Albany. (WDRB photo)
"I went up to the front door, seen some smoke coming out of the light switch," Roberts said. "I opened the front door, and it was nothing but smoke and flames."
Roberts then rushed to his patio.
"I went out there, and the smoke started getting really bad, so I stepped over the ledge of the balcony," Roberts said.
He was on the second floor but with time running out, Roberts had to make a life and death decision.
"I've had two knee replacements, so I know I needed something to help me," Roberts said. "There was a big bush there, and I just jumped in that bush."
The bush was on fire, but Roberts believes it saved his life.
"I got a few stitches and a puncture wound, but it could have been a lot worse if I just had to jump straight on to the ground," Roberts said.
Brent Segura didn't smell smoke but did hear someone frantically knocking on doors while he was making dinner.
"And when I looked out my peep hole, I saw someone banging on the neighbor across from me," Segura said. "I saw someone banging on their door and I just heard them yell 'fire.'"
The fire happened at the Kingsfield Apartments on Mills Lane and although firefighters were on the scene within minutes, 16 units were damaged or destroyed.
The American Red Cross has been on the scene since Wednesday night to help victims with housing, food and other essentials.
The aftermath of a fire that burned through a New Albany apartment complex. (WDRB photo)
The State Fire Marshal is assisting the New Albany Department to determine the cause.Â
"Right now, folks are just in shock, and they want to know, where can they get medication. Where can they get the most critical supplies," said American Red Cross Regional Chief Executive Officer Steve Cunanan.
Despite some bruises and losing his home, Roberts is counting his blessings.
"I'm in good spirits right now," he said. "I'm alive, and that's what matters. I got out of there."
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