A firefighter narrowly escaped serious injury after falling through a collapsing staircase while responding to a house fire in the West Englewood neighborhood on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. on South Paulina Street, in the 6900 block, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

A mayday call was issued, indicating that a firefighter had been reported lost or trapped during the operation. Fortunately, the firefighter was able to slow his fall by backing down the stairs as they collapsed. He managed to climb out of the wreckage and did not require any medical attention.

While the firefighter was safe, the situation remained tense as authorities were still searching for one civilian who was unaccounted for. Officials suggested the person might be a squatter, and searches were ongoing at the scene.

Updates from CFD Media on Twitter confirmed that the firefighter was "OK" and that no transport was needed. All personnel were accounted for, and the mayday was officially secured. The final search concluded with no injuries reported and no missing individuals found at the location.

Thanks, Dan

From CFD Media on Twitter:

STILL AND BOX 6943 Paulina details to follow MAYDAY MAYDAY

Update. Mayday secure. Firefighter fell through stairway. He is OK. No transport. All members are GOOD. LANGFORD

Update. One civilian not accounted for. May be a squatter. Searches underway. 6943 Pauline

Awaiting report of final search to account for possible missing squatter. EMS plan secure. Mayday secure. All FF are PAR

FF was backing out as a stairway collapsed. He went down but was able to slow fall and climb out

Final search negative at 6943 Paulina no injuries !

CFD Media photo

CFD Media photo

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