Residents rescued from burning apartment building

EAST RUTHERFORD (WABC) -- Firefighters rescued two people from a blazing East Rutherford apartment building this morning.

Firefighters rushed into the John Street building and pulled the residents from their apartments.

One resident was hanging out a third-floor window when firefighters arrived just before 9:30 a.m.

They rushed up ladders, fighting their way through choking smoke, to pull him to safety.

The man, who was covered in black soot, was being treated for smoke inhalation. His hair was singed by the flames.

A second resident, an elderly man, was also rescued. He was not hurt, but did get checked out at the hospital.

Another man escaped the third floor before rescuers arrived.

Heavy flames shot through the roof of the building, which houses Rocco's Tavern on the ground floor. Apartments are located above the bar.

The smoke from the fire could be scene for miles.

The fire took a couple of hours to bring under control. The cause was under investigation.

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