8 Detroit firefighters hurt battling blaze after building partially collapses

8 Detroit firefighters hurt battling blaze

DETROIT — A burning two-story building partially collapsed on Friday, injuring eight firefighters who responded to the blaze on Detroit’s east side, police said.

Clouds of dark smoke shrouded the scene midmorning but then weakened into a lighter white fog as crews poured water on top of the building, which housed a phone business, beauty salon and liquor store.

“It’s real dramatic,” said Walter Young, 62, a passer-by.

Officer N. Gray said five firefighters were trapped before being rescued. At least one firefighter was in critical condition.

“This is really quite shocking. It’s a punch to the gut,” said Joshua Elling, director of a neighborhood business association.

The building is about five miles from downtown Detroit and just west of the suburb of Grosse Pointe Park.