A fire at a Woodridge apartment complex hospitalized five people Thursday, Sept. 24, and forced evacuations across three buildings.

The Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District received a call around 10 a.m. for a structure fire in the 7000-block of Woodward Avenue, near 75th Street, ABC7 Chicago reported. Crews arrived to find flames visible from the building.

Three residents and two firefighters were treated and taken to hospitals. Officials said the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

Fire officials said 41 apartment units across three buildings were affected. Residents were evacuated as the fire spread.

Roof collapse, possible gas connection

Jimmy Lahanis of the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District said part of the roof collapsed during the fire. He said investigators have not determined the exact cause.

"I think that it was pretty apparent there was some role that natural gas did play into this fire but the actual cause is going to be undetermined at this point," Lahanis said.

Video recorded by a resident appeared to show the fire starting near a gas meter outside an apartment, according to ABC7. Nicor said it had crews at the scene and had shut off gas lines to the area.

Residents describe explosion

Justin Jones, a resident, told ABC7 he heard a loud boom and felt shaking under his feet while he was in his apartment. He said he saw a Nicor worker at the scene who appeared unsure how to handle the situation.

Another resident, Jonatan Hernandez, told ABC7 he watched the fire reach his unit after initially thinking it was too far away. Hernandez said he lost everything.

Neighbors gathered outside to help one another and check on residents as firefighters worked, according to ABC7.

Road closures, multi-agency response

The Village of Woodridge posted a road closure notice just before 10:20 a.m., according to WGN. Northbound Woodward Avenue from 75th Street was temporarily closed.

WGN's SkyCam9 showed large flames coming from the roof around 11:40 a.m. By about 12:05 p.m., the fire appeared under control.

At least five surrounding agencies responded to assist the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District. Woodward Avenue was expected to remain closed at 75th Street for several hours while crews worked to ensure the fire was fully contained.

As of Friday, Sept. 25, the closed roads are now open.

Displaced residents

Village officials are working with the American Red Cross to help displaced residents. The exact number of people displaced has not been confirmed, though 41 units were affected.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Residents with information can contact the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District.