PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — A raging 2-alarm fire destroyed a home in North Philadelphia late Sunday night, sending four people to the hospital and forcing the closure of one of the city’s busiest roads.
Philadelphia Fire Department crews were called to West Albanus Street and North Front Street around 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy fire and thick smoke pouring from the second and third floors of the structure.
Roosevelt Boulevard Shut Down in Both Directions
The fire’s location — directly adjacent to Roosevelt Boulevard — forced emergency officials to close the road in both northbound and southbound lanes.
The closure stretched between North Front Street and Mascher Street.
Drivers in the area faced significant delays, and commuters heading through North Philadelphia Monday morning were urged to find alternate routes.
Four People Hospitalized With Smoke Inhalation
Four people were taken to area hospitals after the fire.
All four were treated for smoke inhalation. No additional details on their conditions were immediately released by officials.
The cause of the fire has not yet been announced.
Fire Brought Under Control After Nearly Three Hours
Crews battled the blaze for close to three hours before bringing it under control at approximately 2:30 a.m. Monday.
Despite getting the main fire under control, firefighters were expected to remain on scene well into the morning hours to extinguish hot spots and prevent the fire from reigniting.
The home sustained heavy damage. Investigators are expected to determine the origin and cause of the fire in the coming days.
What Neighbors Should Know
If you live or commute near West Albanus Street, North Front Street, or Roosevelt Boulevard, expect continued emergency activity in the area through Monday morning.
Residents nearby are advised to keep windows closed if smoke or haze is still present in the neighborhood.
Do you live near West Albanus Street or were you in the area when this happened? Share what you saw in the comments below.
