Mother Tosses Children to Safety as Massive Fire Rips Through Houston Apartment Complex

HOUSTON (AP) — Authorities say at least 10 people were hurt when flames tore through a Houston-area apartment complex, forcing residents to jump from upper balconies to escape fire and smoke.

One man who helped residents escape the early-morning blaze Wednesday told KPRC-TV in Houston that he and another man caught an infant and a child tossed to them by their mother.

Capt. Dean Hensley with the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office told the Houston Chronicle the injuries don't appear to be life-threatening and occurred when people jumped from the balconies of the three-story structure.

Hensley says the fire appeared to spread along the upper floors of the complex in northwest Harris County and that a portion of the building collapsed.