Woman Killed in Arlington Heights Apartment Fire

One woman is dead after an early morning fire at the Hancock Square at Arlington Station apartments, according to the Arlington Cardinal.

The fire started just before 4 a.m. after reports of smoke coming a fourth floor apartment, the Arlington Cardinal reports. The victim was discovered with life-threatening injuries and taken to Northwest Community hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Hancock Square resident Roni Kagley said she heard the alarm go off before after 3:30 a.m. and could see the lights from the fire department trucks from her apartment window. "The next thing I knew someone was beating on my door to make sure I got out," she said.  

"I heard glass falling and flames just shot out of the windows," Kagley said.

Another resident, Mike Suwa said witnessed firefighters breaking out windows and the balcony sliding glass door, and entering into the fourth floor apartment through the balcony to attempt to rescue the victim. 

Police and fire vehicles still remain around the scene, and debris is scattered on the grounds below the apartment building located at 200 N. Arlington Heights Road. 

Reporter Rachel Glaser contributed to this report on the scene.