2 Die as Fire Strikes Motel in Las Vegas
A fire raced through a downtown motel at daybreak Friday, killing two people, injuring 18 and forcing guests to flee in their nightclothes, officials said.
A 17-year-old girl passing on her way to school was credited with saving several lives by pulling people out of the two-story Midtowner Motel until she was felled herself by smoke inhalation.
Some occupants of the 45-unit building jumped from second-floor windows to escape the flames and heavy smoke. The blaze apparently began in the lobby and swept through an inside hallway. Fire Department Battalion Chief Chet Gregg described the fire as suspicious.
Two of those injured were admitted to hospitals in fair condition while the others, including rescuer Lena Barker, were treated and released.
The motel is in an area of downtown Las Vegas that caters to elderly people and transients.
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