Over 100 construction workers were on site of the 7 story tall apartment complex that was being built. An installation spray foam machine caught fire on the first or second floor of the construction site.
The fire quickly spread to the entire apartment complex. 15 construction workers had to be rescued.
Rueben and Demonte were on the 7th floor installing windows and doors. The men tried to get out, but were trapped due to limited exits and the fire burning the stairwell and elevator shafts.
A crane worker up high saw Rueben and Demonte signaling for help, the crane operator tried to lower the crane to rescue Rueben and Demonte, but the thick dark black smoke reduced visibility to all black out.
The crane operator radioed to emergency crews that the 2 men were trapped, but fire fighters were not able to safely get to Rueben and Demonte.
Sadly Rueben and Demonte died on the scene, likely first from the smoke inhalation and heat. The fire then burned up their bodies to death.
The fire backed up traffic for hours and closed restaurants and businesses in the area. Black smoke sprung into the sky and could be seen for miles.
The fire was so hot that vehicles in nearby parking decks were burnt to a crisp with the heat also busting the car tires.
