Officials are investigating after a major fire that destroyed several units and left 50 people displaced at a Wayne County apartment building.
Crews were called around 2 p.m. on Sunday to Keller Way Drive in the Rosewood Community off of Highway 70 near NC-581.
People on the scene told WRAL News they saw large plumes of smoke from nearby businesses.
One resident told WRAL news she was outside putting up her fall decorations when she said she smelled smoke.
“It smelled like somebody was burning paper and then I thought it might be field burning because they do that out here,” said Flotilla Stewart. “So when I looked up and saw flames, I immediately dialed 911. And I ran in and I told him to dial 911 behind me and I ran and was telling everybody to get out, going to different floors telling everyone to get out, it’s a fire.”
She said she was home with her husband and daughter when the fire first broke out. They were all able to make it out of their apartment safely.
Three people were taken to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown.
The Red Cross is on the scene helping families that were displaced.
Officials said the fire was brought under control at 4:33 p.m. The cause of the fire is still unclear. WRAL News is on the scene, working to learn more about the cause of the fire.