7 people hurt in a fire at Joliet apartment on North Essington Road; officials say road shut down

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — Seven people were injured in a Joliet apartment building fire Tuesday morning, fire officials said.

Joliet fire crews responded to the 100-block of North Essington Road just after 8:15 a.m. for a report of an apartment fire with trapped residents.

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When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy fire coming from an upper unit of the three-story building.

Three people were on a balcony, and were rescued.

Fire officials said there was heavy fire in the building’s attic.

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Seven residents were treated on the scene for minor injuries, fire officials said.

The fire was under control after 9:20 a.m.

The Joliet Office of Emergency and Disaster Management is coordinating the relocation of displaced residents.

Chopper 7 was over the scene, and flames could be seen shooting from the building’s roof. There appeared to be severe damage to the building.

Dozens of firefighters responded to the scene, and remained there before noon.

Joliet police said all lanes of Essington Road are closed between Twin Oaks Drive and Glenwood Avenue due to the fire.

Motorists are encouraged to consider an alternate route, police said.